Spotlight on an Italian American Soldier
When LTG Raymond Odierno received the NIAF Special Achievement Award for Military Service at the Foundation’s East Coast Gala on April 18, his son, Captain Anthony K. Odierno, and wife, Linda, were in the audience applauding. But the family had far more to celebrate – both father and son have returned home after serving in Iraq and son Anthony has successfully finished rehabilitation after losing an arm to a rocket-propelled grenade.

Captain Anthony K. Odierno graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in 2001 with a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering and was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. of Infantry. His first assignment on active duty following completion of the Infantry Officer Basic Course (IOBC) was to Fort Hood, Texas. There he was assigned to the 1st Squadron 7th Calvary, 1st Calvary Division where he served as a Scout Platoon Leader and then as a Support Platoon Leader.

In March 2004, Capt. Odierno was deployed on Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was wounded in combat in late August of that year and evacuated to Walter Reed Army Medical Center, where he continued rehabilitation until August 2005. He was promoted to Captain on Nov. 1, 2004 and is currently serving as Aide-de-Camp to Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He is a graduate of the Army Airborne and Ranger schools, has been awarded the Expert Infantryman’s badge, Combat Infantryman’s badge, Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medal for Valor. Look for an interview with Captain Odierno will appear in the Fall 2006 issue of Ambassador magazine.

From the Stage to the Screen
Actor Anthony LaPaglia was born in Adelaide, Australia, to an Italian father and Dutch mother. Once inspired to become an actor, LaPaglia traveled to New York City to work in the theater. When acting on stage left him wanting more, he continued on to Los Angeles, Calif., to pursue bigger dreams. There, he became an accomplished on-screen actor.

In 2002, LaPaglia shared the spotlight with actress Sigourney Weaver in “The Guys,” a film about a New York City fire captain who lost eight men in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. The film was adapted from a play by Anne Nelson.

Many people recognize him as FBI agent Jack Malone on the television series “Without a Trace” and for his guest-comedic work as Simon Moon on “Frasier.” He has won a Golden Globe Award and was nominated for two Emmy Awards. LaPaglia is currently in his fourth season of “Without a Trace” and plans to be on the set as Jack Malone for the next several years.

San Gennaro Italian Festival of Alexandria
The First Annual San Gennaro Italian Festival of Alexandria, Va., will be held in the city’s Oronoco Park on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2006. It is sponsored by the San Gennaro Foundation of Virginia, a not-for-profit community organization.

Annual San Gennaro Italian festivals celebrate the patron saint of Naples, Italy, and are held in many cities across the United States. The first such festival was held in New York City on Sept. 19, 1926, when newly arrived immigrants from Naples who settled in the Little Italy decided to continue the tradition, which their ancestors had followed since 305 A.D.

This year’s festival in Alexandria will begin with a traditional procession featuring the Statue of San Gennaro, which will travel the streets of Alexandria from St. Mary’s Church to the Waterfront Park. Many area Italian businesses will offer Italian specialty foods and pastries. Additionally, vendors will sell a variety of goods including international foods, souvenir items, and merchandise. There will also be entertainment for the children, Italian cultural activities, and a traditional bocce ball tournament. Contact: Jay DeCianno at 703/492-3329