VICENZA, Italy — Winning runner-up in U.S. Army Garrison Italy’s "Best Barracks" competition was a welcome surprise for Spc. Nathan Bemis, a 207th Military Intelligence Brigade Soldiers at Caserma Ederle.
Bemis, whose barracks were a part of the recent initiative aimed at promoting a sense of community and pride among Soldiers, showcased the pride he has in his quarters. And he didn't do it alone.
“Recognition isn’t everything, but it’s nice to see that my hard work is being recognized and seen,” said Bemis. “My roommate as well was fantastic. He pulled his weight more than enough.”
The competition, which was open to all on-post units, encouraged Soldiers to take ownership of their barracks and make improvements to their living spaces. When Bemis arrived in Vicenza, he called home to his parents – marveling at his Army-provided accommodations.
"I was like, oh man, you won't believe the room that I got here,” Bemis said. “I was so, so surprised. I was like, am I dreaming?"
It was about improving life in the barracks, not just aesthetics. Some units took the challenge seriously.
Sgt. Raul Vargas said the competition allowed his unit, Company G, 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, to see it’s deficiencies and know what work needed to be done. Known as Gamble Company, they even made a PowerPoint presentation to help them win.
“We maximized our time and energy for what needed to be done on this building,” Vargas said.
A new day room and kitchen were among the most notable transformations in Gamble’s barracks. Sgt. Hannah Kamp, a squad leader in the motor pool, said that the new facilities have had a significant impact on morale. While the company was away on an exercise, Sabre Junction, the Soldier & Family Readiness Group and the unit rear detachment surprised them with the renovation.
"No one used to come in here and hang out and socialize before this,” Kemp said. “This has definitely changed our morale."
The competition is designed to build a sense of community among Soldiers, according to Command Sgt. Maj. Ricardo Moreno, U.S. Army Garrison Italy’s senior enlisted leader.
"We don’t just see the company leadership and sections, but we also see the community,” Moreno said. “We see how we have a strong SFRG and how the company is partnering with the community so the paratroopers can have a place they can call home.”
First Sgt. John Samudio, Gamble Co., 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, emphasized the importance of providing a positive living environment for Soldiers. Pride in their living space, plus a little investment ignites the unit to take ownership of their barracks.
"It’s a great thing that the garrison CSM and team are incentivizing the barracks program, and Soldiers taking care of where they live," he said. “We expect a lot out of our paratroopers, and ultimately, we want them to come home at the end of the day and feel like it’s home.”
Best Barracks competition winners:
(Room category)
1st Place:
Sgt. Amaker, Sharita (106th Finance Co.)
Sgt. Johnson, Timola (106th Finance Co.)
2nd Place:
Spc. Honarvar, Dominik (HHC Military Intelligence Brigade)
Spc. Bemis, Nathan (B Co., 522nd Military Intelligence Battalion)
3rd Place:
Spc. Thapa, Nabina (B Co., 106th Finance Battalion)
Spc. Johnson, Alyssa (B Co., 106th Finance Battalion)
(Floor category)
1st Place:
(B Co., 522nd Military Intelligence Bn.)
Bldg. 180 Floor 0 (Wing 003-012)
(Building category)
1st Place:
Bldg. 180, 207th Military Intelligence Brigade
Barracks Manager: Staff Sgt. Zhao, Xikun
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