Italian Ambassador Feeds Wounded US Troops

NewsBusters.org ^ | 6/5/06 | warner todd huston

[Mobile Vulgus]

All too often all we get are the bad stories about this war on terror from our Mainstream Media. Not only that but we only hear about our allies when they are quitting their support for US led efforts to combat terror in the world and never when they are in support or do something to help the effort. So, I suppose it isn't beyond belief that we never heard this heartwarming story anywhere in the US Media.

For the last two years, Fran O'Brien's Steak house in Washington D.C. has treated our wounded servicemen from Walter Reed Army Medical Center to a steak dinner on Friday nights. But they recently lost their lease at the Hilton Hotel in D.C. leaving the Friday night dinners in doubt.

Enter the Italian Ambassador and his staff who, on May, 21st, conjured up a full Italian dinner for 27 of our wounded heroes. When Ambassador Gianni Castellaneta, and his wife, Lila, found out that O'Brien's had lost their lease, they decided to step in to substitute lasagna for steak. (See Stars and Stripes article Click here)

The Italian Embassy's executive chef, Roberto Grazioli, worked his magic with all hand made dishes with excellent results. Fine Italian wines were served and sumptuous deserts were well received by the soldiers.

According to Stars and Stripes, the dinner was well recieved and a good time was had by all.

But, have we heard of this story from the MSM? No. We are greeted with silence to this good deed, this small kindness to our troops.

This is the kind of story that we need to hear all across this land. Further, we should all thank the kind hearted Italian Ambassador for his efforts to comfort our troops. Italy has been a staunch ally in the war on terror and we must not forget our allies. The bombings in Spain and London as well as the unrest in France reminds us that we are all in constant expectation of terrorist strikes. We are all in this together.

So, take some time to write an email to the Italian Embassy to thank them for their efforts on behalf of our wounded soldiers.

Email the Cultural Affairs office at: culturale.washington@esteri.it

For a photo Gallery of the event Click here

By- Warner Todd Huston

[Mobile Vulgus]

Good job, Italy!

[jacquej]

To the magnificent Italians reading this forum....

You have not only given me a truly beautiful daughter in law, you are now doing even more, and serving our tired and wounded a meal that reminds them of the beauty and truth of life...

Thank you, Italy, for all you have given to the United States in the past, and are now still giving to our experiment of freedom. Your contribution to our unique culture has been truly invaluable.

Thank you, Italy, for all you are, and for your generous and loving heart

[Tarantulas]

What a great story! Thank you for posting it.

Italy has been one of our great allies in the WOT and I hope they remain so throughout the political turmoil in their government.

[Gunny P]

Can't hide Italian Class. SHAME on some MSM if they ignored it.
Caesar lives on to provide for the troops.
And imagine the meal they tucked into...know it was worthy of "youthful metabolism". Amazing though the skill to create such hearty yet delicate chow. But what SNCO scarfed the vino? Troopies deserved at least a sniff of the cork.
Now, how long to Oktoberfest...but me pardonner, 14 juillet is next...

[Caipirabob]

He's an allie, and he cooks Italian...it's a good day.

[jerryem]

Just doing what the Italians do best.

[monkapotamus]

Italian Ambassador to the U.S. Gianni Castellaneta and his wife, Lila, greet a guest.

Ambassador and Mrs. Castellaneta welcome U.S. Marine Cpl. Eric Hall of Louisville, Ky., and Evelena Stratton of Bremerton, Wa.

Italian Brig. Gen. Paolo Serra talks with American servicemembers before the dinner.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. John Borders of Fort Riley, Kan., meets Italian Air Force Maj. Gen. Pasquale Preziosa.

A view from the second-floor balcony as guests help themselves to the buffet.

Spec. Rob Lliteras of Tampa, Fla., digs into the buffet.

Ambassador and Mrs. Castellanetatalk with Sgt. Neil Duncan, right, of Minneapolis, Minn., and Spec. Rob Lliteras of Tampa, Fla., after dinner.

Italian Embassy chef Roberto Grazioli.

More Photos

[napscoordinator]

I am so glad that I am stationed in Italy right now.

[napscoordinator]

I wonder if President Bush would do this. I think that would be quite a great day for the hurt troops if he did.

[monkapotamus]

[Mobile Vulgus]

I am not sure if you are aware, but the president has visited the boys in Walter Reed many, many times, trying to do it at least once a month and has since the beginning. He does not want to make a big political point out of his visits. He feels they are private.

[napscoordinator]

I am not sure if you are aware, but the president has visited the boys in Walter Reed many, many times, trying to do it at least once a month and has since the beginning. He does not want to make a big political point out of his visits. He feels they are private.


Damn. I am sorry I totally forgot. I hope you didn't think I was complaining or anything. I love the President (illegal stuff besides) and did not mean anything against him. Thanks for that awesome reminder because stupidly I did forget.

[B Knotts]

FYI PING

[aCDNinUSA]

Thank you for the beautiful photos of beautiful people.

The last photo almost brought a tear to my eye of the man with his back to the camera with two prosthetic legs leaning on the woman's shoulder for support.

Thank you Italy and God Bless the wounded US troops!

[1rudeboy]

That chef really looks like he's doing what he was born to do. I envy them, but not their hours.