A group of servicemembers, dependents, civilians and Italians have brought back an all-volunteer program to help acquaint incoming Americans with dozens of local communities surrounding the base. Called Vicini Americani, Italian for “American neighbors,” the program relaunched Friday during the “Spring into Spring” festival at the base’s Freedom Park.

“Some of the program’s goals are to foster friendship and cooperation amongst U.S. [personnel] and Italians living as neighbors in the surrounding communities,” said Wesley Yancey, a community support coordinator at the 31st Fighter Wing. Originally started in 2012 by Maj. Gen. Scott J. Zobrist, wing commander at the time, the program “fizzled away” soon after he left Italy, Yancey said. It now has the support of Brig. Gen. Daniel T. Lasica, the current wing commander, he said.