US soldiers and airmen helped clean up Venice after the historic city was hit by the worst flooding in 53 years

• US military personnel in the Venice area joined efforts to clean up the history city after it was hit by historic flooding.
• For two days this month, US soldiers, airmen, military families, and civilians helped Venetians remove heavy and soiled mattresses, washer machines, refrigerators, couches, and driftwood.
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VICENZA, Italy (December 10, 2019) - On Friday and Saturday, December 6-7, soldiers, airmen, military families, and civilians of the Vicenza Military Community participated in a two-day clean-up of Venice following widespread flooding during the annual "acqua alta," or high water, that struck the iconic island city on November 12.

This is the second most devastating acqua alta in Venice history since 1966 when floodwaters topped out above 6 feet.

According to organizers, the "Save Venice" event was an enriching challenge for the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) Vicenza team. BOSS is a dynamic Department of the Army program, which engages single soldiers through peer-to-peer leadership to enhance their quality of life through community service and recreational activities.

Fifteen airmen, 14 soldiers, and three military family members and civilians assisted the city of Venice in this project.

"It was an honor to be able to help our neighbors in Venice after the damage from the floods," said Joseph "Rodger" Nuttall, BOSS Vicenza Advisor.