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Kent Harris

Students enter Aviano Middle High School at Aviano Air Base, Italy, on Nov. 16, 2020, for what was to be their last day of in-person instruction before they return to virtual classes because of the coronavirus. The return to at-home learning came as the region in Italy that includes Aviano was raised to the second-highest health alert level as the virus continues to spread.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
Students enter Aviano Middle High School at Aviano Air Base, Italy, on Nov. 16, 2020, for what was to be their last day of in-person instruction before they return to virtual classes because of the coronavirus. The return to at-home learning came as the region in Italy that includes Aviano was raised to the second-highest health alert level as the virus continues to spread.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

Older students at Aviano to go back to virtual learning as coronavirus spreads

Monday would be the final day of in-person classes before virtual learning resumes Thursday, officials told Aviano Middle High School parents.

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Clayton Shenk of Wiesbaden, seen here at last year's finals, will be back to try to defend his crown, when the DODEA-Europe golf championships get underway in Wiesbaden, Germany, on Wednesday.<br>MICHAEL ABRAMS/STARS AND STRIPES
Clayton Shenk of Wiesbaden, seen here at last year's finals, will be back to try to defend his crown, when the DODEA-Europe golf championships get underway in Wiesbaden, Germany, on Wednesday.<br>MICHAEL ABRAMS/STARS AND STRIPES

Europe's top golfers to square off in fall's first championship

It might be weather more suited for ducks than golfers. But that won’t stop 28 high school golfers from competing for DODEA-Europe titles on Wednesday and Thursday.

American Overseas School of Rome's Eduardo Lin sets the ball to his teammates Saturday while Aviano's Adrian Vasquez waits on the other side of the net in ta match in Aviano, Italy, Sept. 14, 2019. Boys volleyball will be played north of the Alps this coming DODEA-Europe winter sports season, replacing basketball due to coronavirus concerns.<br>KENT HARRIS/STARS AND STRIPES
American Overseas School of Rome's Eduardo Lin sets the ball to his teammates Saturday while Aviano's Adrian Vasquez waits on the other side of the net in ta match in Aviano, Italy, Sept. 14, 2019. Boys volleyball will be played north of the Alps this coming DODEA-Europe winter sports season, replacing basketball due to coronavirus concerns.<br>KENT HARRIS/STARS AND STRIPES

DODEA-Europe cuts basketball and wrestling, adds volleyball and weightlifting

Volleyball, dropped in the fall along with football in an attempt to curb the spread of COVID-19, will be offered in the winter — not only for girls but for boys.

Runners sprint for position at the start of the boys race at the 2019 DODEA-Europe cross country championships last October, in Baumholder, Germany. This year's season gets underway this weekend.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes
Runners sprint for position at the start of the boys race at the 2019 DODEA-Europe cross country championships last October, in Baumholder, Germany. This year's season gets underway this weekend.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes

Europe's athletes finally competing again

Cross country, golf, tennis start again this week - the first time DODEA-Europe athletes have competed in seven months.

<br>Pixabay
<br>Pixabay

DODEA-Europe to debut new multi-event sport this weekend

Football and volleyball are out this fall because of the coronavirus pandemic. Enter an eight-event team competition that bears at least some resemblance to a heptathlon or decathlon.

Ramstein's Matt Miller putts on the day's final hole at the DODEA-Europe high school golf championships in Wiesbaden, Germany, in October 2019, as teammate Chris Angeles, Stuttgart's Jonathan Keathley and Kaiserslautern's Mathias Perrin watch. Golfers will take to the links this season with coronavirus precautions.<br>MICHAEL ABRAMS/STARS AND STRIPES
Ramstein's Matt Miller putts on the day's final hole at the DODEA-Europe high school golf championships in Wiesbaden, Germany, in October 2019, as teammate Chris Angeles, Stuttgart's Jonathan Keathley and Kaiserslautern's Mathias Perrin watch. Golfers will take to the links this season with coronavirus precautions.<br>MICHAEL ABRAMS/STARS AND STRIPES

Prep athletes return to practice fields in Europe

It appears that — at least for now — competition among rival schools will only happen in person in Germany. But golfers, cross country runners, tennis players and cheerleaders are all back to perfecting their skills.

Claudia De Luca Ceros checks stock in the medicine aisle at the commissary at Aviano Air Base, Italy, on May 10, 2020. Stockers have been put to the test at Aviano and elsewhere during huge sales for DECA during the coronavirus pandemic. <br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
Claudia De Luca Ceros checks stock in the medicine aisle at the commissary at Aviano Air Base, Italy, on May 10, 2020. Stockers have been put to the test at Aviano and elsewhere during huge sales for DECA during the coronavirus pandemic. <br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

Pandemic spurs record-breaking sales for commissary, slump for exchange stores

March 13 was the biggest Defense Commissary Agency sales day ever worldwide. But the pandemic has been much harder on AAFES.

Exchange employees Tiziana Mantovani, left, and Agnese Ciwis stock the Aviano store Tuesday, May 19, 2020, after it made all of its products available for purchase. An Italian decree that eased coronavirus restrictions starting Monday expanded the variety of products that stores can sell. <br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
Exchange employees Tiziana Mantovani, left, and Agnese Ciwis stock the Aviano store Tuesday, May 19, 2020, after it made all of its products available for purchase. An Italian decree that eased coronavirus restrictions starting Monday expanded the variety of products that stores can sell. <br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

Aviano Air Base starts to open facilities after coronavirus restrictions eased

The 31st Fighter Wing has begun to reopen or expand services shut down by coronavirus restrictions, a day after new Italian national and regional decrees went into effect.

Trey McClain performs a song during the opening night of the Aviano Idol competition on Monday, May 11, 2020. Performances by 10 contestants will be shown on the 31st Force Support Squadron Facebook page on Fridays in May.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
Trey McClain performs a song during the opening night of the Aviano Idol competition on Monday, May 11, 2020. Performances by 10 contestants will be shown on the 31st Force Support Squadron Facebook page on Fridays in May.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

Aviano Idol contestants vie for $5,000 prize, kudos from Grammy winner

Singer and actress Ashanti is one of the guest judges for the Aviano Idol talent competition.

More than 70 people stand in line outside the post office building at Aviano Air Base, Italy, last month. Italy on Monday eased some coronavirus restrictions, which had been in place for as long as late February. Americans will, for now, see little change on U.S. bases in the country.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
More than 70 people stand in line outside the post office building at Aviano Air Base, Italy, last month. Italy on Monday eased some coronavirus restrictions, which had been in place for as long as late February. Americans will, for now, see little change on U.S. bases in the country.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

‘We’re going to take our time’: US bases cautious after Italy eases virus restrictions

Italy allowed more than 4 million people to return to work this week, but U.S. bases in the country are mainly sticking to their coronavirus restrictions.

An 31st Medical Group airman takes the temperature of an airman returning from deployment, as part of a coronavirus screening, at Aviano Air Base, Italy, April 18, 2020.<br>Tory Cusimano/U.S. Air Force
An 31st Medical Group airman takes the temperature of an airman returning from deployment, as part of a coronavirus screening, at Aviano Air Base, Italy, April 18, 2020.<br>Tory Cusimano/U.S. Air Force

Air Force’s Triple Nickel kept an eye on Aviano during ‘memorable’ 6-month Middle East deployment

A global pandemic wasn’t on the checklist when the 555th Fighter Squadron prepared for a short-notice deployment in November.

Upcoming Advanced Placement exams, slated for May 12-23, 2020, must be taken at the same time worldwide, according to College Board officials. <br>Pixabay
Upcoming Advanced Placement exams, slated for May 12-23, 2020, must be taken at the same time worldwide, according to College Board officials. <br>Pixabay

Modified AP exams mean some overseas DODEA students must take tests when they should be sleeping

Normally three hours long and administered in classrooms with a proctor, the next AP tests, slated for May 12-23, must be done at home, have been shortened to 45 minutes and one essay each.

Crew members load mobile intensive care units for Saint Martin at Eindhoven Airport, Netherlands, April 5, 2020.<br>Royal Netherlands Defense Forces
Crew members load mobile intensive care units for Saint Martin at Eindhoven Airport, Netherlands, April 5, 2020.<br>Royal Netherlands Defense Forces

'It was about a 40-hour day': US, multinational airmen fly around the world on medical supplies delivery

Crews from a multinational airlift wing have delivered hundreds of thousands of pounds of medical supplies to countries spanning the globe.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Sherraye Carter, 606th Airfield Control Squadron unit deployment manager, checks out at the commissary on Aviano Air Base, Italy, March 30, 2020, after picking up groceries for someone who's confined to their home under Italy's sweeping coronavirus restrictions.<br>Ericka Woolever/U.S. Air Force
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Sherraye Carter, 606th Airfield Control Squadron unit deployment manager, checks out at the commissary on Aviano Air Base, Italy, March 30, 2020, after picking up groceries for someone who's confined to their home under Italy's sweeping coronavirus restrictions.<br>Ericka Woolever/U.S. Air Force

Aviano volunteers shop, deliver groceries to those stuck at home by coronavirus restrictions

More than 150 people have volunteered for an on-base grocery shopping and delivery program to help those whose movement is limited under Italy’s coronavirus restrictions.

A C-130 Hercules stationed out of Ramstein Air Base, Germany, delivers pallets of medical equipment to Aviano Air Base, Italy, March 20, 2020.<br>Rebeccah Woodrow/U.S. Air Force
A C-130 Hercules stationed out of Ramstein Air Base, Germany, delivers pallets of medical equipment to Aviano Air Base, Italy, March 20, 2020.<br>Rebeccah Woodrow/U.S. Air Force

Ramstein and Aviano airmen help Italians by providing modular medical treatment facility

“It’s evidence why this airfield and us being mission ready is so important,” said Maj. Sarah Babcock, 31st Fighter Wing spokeswoman. “We’re always ready to support our partners during these challenging times.”

Parts of the base exchange at Aviano Air Base, Italy, have been cordoned off and made inaccessible to customers. The local carabinieri recently visited the exchange and pointed out that, per the Italian Minister's March 11 decree, non-essential products are not allowed to be sold until March 25 at the earliest.<br>Norman Llamas/Stars and Stripes
Parts of the base exchange at Aviano Air Base, Italy, have been cordoned off and made inaccessible to customers. The local carabinieri recently visited the exchange and pointed out that, per the Italian Minister's March 11 decree, non-essential products are not allowed to be sold until March 25 at the earliest.<br>Norman Llamas/Stars and Stripes

Can you take the dog for a walk during the shutdown in Italy? Yes. No. Maybe.

Aviano held the seventh in a series of near-daily virtual town halls Tuesday to address the coronavirus. And judging by the scope and amount of questions posted on Facebook, people who live and work on base can’t get enough of the online briefings. A big question: Is it OK to take your kids or dog for a walk?

The food court at the Exchange/Commissary mall at Aviano Air Base, Italy, was closed Friday, March 13, 2020, in accordance with Italian decrees targeting the spread of the coronavirus. <br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
The food court at the Exchange/Commissary mall at Aviano Air Base, Italy, was closed Friday, March 13, 2020, in accordance with Italian decrees targeting the spread of the coronavirus. <br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

Italian police visit US bases to enforce coronavirus ‘social distance’ rule

Base leadership said the unusual visit was a reminder that Americans are expected to follow Italian guidelines — on base and off.

A sign on the door of the fitness center on Aviano Air Base in Italy says it's closed. But officials on Wednesday, March 11, 2020, at the base's fifth virtual town hall since Italy declared a health emergency over the coronavirus, said PT tests were continuing as normal.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
A sign on the door of the fitness center on Aviano Air Base in Italy says it's closed. But officials on Wednesday, March 11, 2020, at the base's fifth virtual town hall since Italy declared a health emergency over the coronavirus, said PT tests were continuing as normal.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

Coronavirus test kits expected at Aviano 'as early as next week'

The 31st Fighter Wing at Aviano Air Base in Italy should soon be able to test for the coronavirus on base, officials said at a virtual town hall meeting.

The Navy, which is aiming to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, will shut “any base group activities” at Naval Support Activity Naples starting March 10, 2020. <br>Scott Wyland/Stars and Stripes
The Navy, which is aiming to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, will shut “any base group activities” at Naval Support Activity Naples starting March 10, 2020. <br>Scott Wyland/Stars and Stripes

US military in Italy mobilizes to help as coronavirus spreads

The Navy is shutting schools, child development centers and base gyms at Naval Support Activity Naples, and cancelling “base group activities” starting Tuesday, joining Army and Air Force efforts to fight the spread of the coronavirus in Italy.

Signs limiting the sale of disinfectant wipes and bottles of hand sanitizer to three per customer are posted at the commissary at Aviano Air Base, Italy, on March 5, 2020. <br>Norman Llamas/Stars and Stripes
Signs limiting the sale of disinfectant wipes and bottles of hand sanitizer to three per customer are posted at the commissary at Aviano Air Base, Italy, on March 5, 2020. <br>Norman Llamas/Stars and Stripes

Over 100 at Aviano Air Base in self-quarantine, others told to keep their distance in public as coronavirus precaution

The 31st Fighter Wing has 134 people in isolation or self-quarantine and has instructed everyone to keep their distance from others in public amid coronavirus concerns, officials said during a virtual town hall meeting.

An illustration by the CDC reveals ultrastructural morphology exhibited by coronaviruses. U.S. bases in northern Italy entered a second week of school, day care and gym closures as the Italy's confirmed cases of the new coronavirus doubled over the weekend.<br>Alissa Eckert/CDC
An illustration by the CDC reveals ultrastructural morphology exhibited by coronaviruses. U.S. bases in northern Italy entered a second week of school, day care and gym closures as the Italy's confirmed cases of the new coronavirus doubled over the weekend.<br>Alissa Eckert/CDC

Closures at US bases in Italy continue as coronavirus spreads

U.S. bases in northern Italy entered a second week of school, day care and gym closures as the country’s cases of the new coronavirus doubled over the weekend.

D-II roundup

It'll be all Italy in medium school championships

Naples will play for two titles, taking on Aviano in boys play and Vicenza in girls action.

Naples' Mia Rawlins drives to the basket Friday night where she is rudely welcomed by Aviano defenders Keyona Williams, left, and Mikyla Harkley. Aviano won 41-30.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
Naples' Mia Rawlins drives to the basket Friday night where she is rudely welcomed by Aviano defenders Keyona Williams, left, and Mikyla Harkley. Aviano won 41-30.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

Aviano girls, Naples boys get boosts with triumphs

Saints hand Wildcats first defeat in Italy play in more than three years before Naples overcomes big lead in low-scoring boys affair.

Vicenza's Claire Troiano puts up a shot while surrounded by Ameircan Overseas School of Rome defenders in the Cougars' 41-33 victory on Friday, Dec. 6, 2019.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
Vicenza's Claire Troiano puts up a shot while surrounded by Ameircan Overseas School of Rome defenders in the Cougars' 41-33 victory on Friday, Dec. 6, 2019.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

AOSR, Vicenza split in renewed D-II rivalry

Cougar girls win season debut back in medium-school category, but boys fall to determined Falcons.

Naples' Audrey Villareal taps the ball across the net as Vicenza's China Gregg defends. Vicenza captured the DODEA-Europe Division II title with a win over the Wildcats. Vicenza beat Naples 17-25, 25-17,25-19, 25-17. <br>MICHAEL ABRAMS/STARS AND STRIPES
Naples' Audrey Villareal taps the ball across the net as Vicenza's China Gregg defends. Vicenza captured the DODEA-Europe Division II title with a win over the Wildcats. Vicenza beat Naples 17-25, 25-17,25-19, 25-17. <br>MICHAEL ABRAMS/STARS AND STRIPES

D-II volleyball final

Vicenza wins rubber match with Naples to take crown

Teams had split during the regular season, but Cougars avenge their only loss during the season in four sets.

Mikyla Harkley hasn't been an Aviano Saint for very long. But the junior who just transferred in from New Mexico made up for lost time Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, with a handful of key plays in the Saints' three-set victory over Rota.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
Mikyla Harkley hasn't been an Aviano Saint for very long. But the junior who just transferred in from New Mexico made up for lost time Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, with a handful of key plays in the Saints' three-set victory over Rota.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

Coaches see plenty of room for improvement after early volleyball matchup

Aviano hosts American Overseas School of Rome and Rota for five weekend matches and everyone comes away with positives and plenty to work on.

Chris Heisig umpires a game between Aviano and Ansbach on March 29, 2019. Heisig died Saturday, April 27.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
Chris Heisig umpires a game between Aviano and Ansbach on March 29, 2019. Heisig died Saturday, April 27.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

Volunteer coach and referee dies in Italy

A volunteer football coach and frequent referee at high school sporting events died Saturday, the military said Thursday.

Vilseck starter Nick Kinzie watches his pitch head toward home in the Falcons' 7-6 loss to Vicenza on Friday, April 19, 2019.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
Vilseck starter Nick Kinzie watches his pitch head toward home in the Falcons' 7-6 loss to Vicenza on Friday, April 19, 2019.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

Wiesbaden dominates Day 1 of cross-Alps encounter

Warriors thump Vicenza and Naples behind strong offensive and overpowering efforts on mound.

Dozens of Italians demonstrated outside the main gate of Aviano Air Base, Italy, on Saturday, March 30, 2019, calling for the base to adhere to long-standing agreements regarding employment on base. <br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
Dozens of Italians demonstrated outside the main gate of Aviano Air Base, Italy, on Saturday, March 30, 2019, calling for the base to adhere to long-standing agreements regarding employment on base. <br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

Italian workers demonstrate outside Aviano. They say a strike is possible

Dozens of Italian workers demonstrated near Aviano’s main gate Saturday, calling on the U.S. Air Force to honor long-standing agreements on base employment.

Aviano's Payne Varnum fires a pitch towards catcher Nick Smith in the Saints' 16-1 victory over Ansbach on Friday, March 29, 2019.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
Aviano's Payne Varnum fires a pitch towards catcher Nick Smith in the Saints' 16-1 victory over Ansbach on Friday, March 29, 2019.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

Aviano sweeps Ansbach in day marred by injury

Saints win 16-1 in mercy-rule victory, then walk off with a 20-7 triumph in second game stopped short after scary incident.

Naples' Ashton Jeanty goes to the basket for two of his 13 points in the Wildcats' 51-44 loss to the Aviano Saints on Friday, Feb. 1, 2019.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
Naples' Ashton Jeanty goes to the basket for two of his 13 points in the Wildcats' 51-44 loss to the Aviano Saints on Friday, Feb. 1, 2019.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

Naples girls roll, while Aviano boys prevail

Wildcat girls win sixth straight game, while Saints boys remain unbeaten in Italy.

Stuttgart's Wade Cooper defends against Naples' Ashton Jeanty in the Wildcats' 46-44 victory on Friday, Dec. 7, 2018.<br>Norman Llamas/Stars and Stripes
Stuttgart's Wade Cooper defends against Naples' Ashton Jeanty in the Wildcats' 46-44 victory on Friday, Dec. 7, 2018.<br>Norman Llamas/Stars and Stripes

Many D-I boys games are tossups so far

Vicenza edges Vilseck and Naples tops Stuttgart in latest round of close games involving teams that want to contend for large-school championship.

Want a rack of ribs and a baked potato? The Roadhouse restaurant in Conegliano serves both seven days a week.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
Want a rack of ribs and a baked potato? The Roadhouse restaurant in Conegliano serves both seven days a week.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

Roadhouse restaurant near Aviano should satisfy carnivores

I had dined at the Roadhouse chain of restaurants before while visiting the Tiare shopping mall near Villesse just a few miles from the Italian border with Slovenia.

One of several parts of the Lemene river winds its way through downtown Portogruaro, Italy, under a bridge festooned in fall colors.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
One of several parts of the Lemene river winds its way through downtown Portogruaro, Italy, under a bridge festooned in fall colors.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

europe quick trips

Portogruaro combines historical buildings, modern shopping close to Aviano Air Base

Plenty of Americans assigned to Aviano Air Base know the Italian city of Portogruaro because of where it leads.The city of about 25,000 is more than just a landmark, it's also a great city for shopping.

Aviano's Kohl Mattes sacks Rota quarterback Wesley Penta before he gets rid of the ball in the Saints' 22-14 victory on Saturday.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
Aviano's Kohl Mattes sacks Rota quarterback Wesley Penta before he gets rid of the ball in the Saints' 22-14 victory on Saturday.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

Saints get the best of Rota in this round

Teams that have met three times in the past two years might meet again - for title - if Saturday's highly competitive game is indicator.

Naples' Lena Dieryckx bumps the ball during the Wildcats' volleyball matchup with Kaiserslautern on Friday, Sept. 14, 2018.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes
Naples' Lena Dieryckx bumps the ball during the Wildcats' volleyball matchup with Kaiserslautern on Friday, Sept. 14, 2018.<br>Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes

Teams start off season by testing each other and themselves

Ramstein outlasts Vicenza and Naples takes down Kaiserslautern in first day of D-I battles between schools north and south of Alps.