{"id":52279,"date":"2023-11-29T23:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-11-30T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/?p=52279"},"modified":"2023-11-30T19:11:42","modified_gmt":"2023-11-30T19:11:42","slug":"soldiers-friendly-soccer-rivalry-with-vatican-swiss-guard-continues","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/?p=52279","title":{"rendered":"Soldiers\u2019 friendly soccer rivalry with Vatican Swiss Guard continues"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n
\n
\n <\/p>\n

<\/a>
\n <\/span>
\n <\/span>

\n
\n
\n Pope Francis waves to a group of Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers from throughout U.S. Army Garrison Italy in St. Peter\u2019s Square. On Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, the Vatican Swiss Guard hosted the American Soldiers as part of their nearly decade-long friendly soccer rivalry.
\n (Photo Credit: Randall Jackson)<\/span>
\n <\/span>
\n VIEW ORIGINAL<\/a>
\n <\/span>
\n <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

VATICAN CITY \u2013 Sgt. Raul Vargas clutched a small necklace with a golden cross, a memento for his 8-year-old daughter, as he awaited Pope Francis\u2019s weekly remarks at St. Peters Basilica.<\/p>\n

What brought him to Rome in the first place? The \u201cVatican Cup, friendly soccer match against the Swiss Guard \u2013 who protect Pope Francis \u2013 is an annual tradition for U.S. Soldiers in Italy. It provided an unusual opportunity for Vargas, a logistics noncommissioned officer from the Vicenza, Italy-based 173rd Airborne Brigade, to bring his faith and his love of soccer together.<\/p>\n

Vargas, 31, who was raised Catholic in Mexico City, joined a contingent of U.S. Soldiers \u2013 most of them members of U.S. Army Garrison Italy\u2019s Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers program for the Vatican trip. Seeing the Pope in person was a career highlight, Vargas said.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\n \"Soldiers\u2019
\n <\/a>
\n <\/span>
\n <\/span>
\n
\n
\n Swiss Guard Vice Corporal Joel Imholz right, shows Chaplain (Maj.) Stephen McDermott how to use a halberd, which is their ceremonial weapon. On Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, the Vatican Swiss Guard hosted the American Soldiers during a tour of the Swiss Guard barracks adjacent to the Vatican.
\n (Photo Credit: Randall Jackson)<\/span>
\n <\/span>
\n VIEW ORIGINAL<\/a>
\n <\/span>
\n <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cThe fact that he lets his own guards play against us in a soccer match, I feel blessed,\u201d said Vargas, a lifelong soccer player who explains that his first spoken word was ball. \u201cThis is something greater than just a match. This is something that will impact our lives in the future.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Prior to Pope Francis\u2019s remarks, a nun greeted the Soldiers in front of thousands of attendees.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe welcome the Soldiers from U.S. Army Garrison Italy at Vicenza,\u201d she said, as the BOSS group erupted in cheers.<\/p>\n

More than just a trip to Rome<\/strong><\/p>\n

Soldiers visiting the Eternal City took part in a papal audience and competed in a friendly competition against troops from a foreign military \u2013 much more than what a tourist normally does, said Col. Scott Horrigan, USAG Italy commander, who attended with Command Sgt. Maj. Jonathan Dyon, the garrison\u2019s senior enlisted leader.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\n \"Soldiers\u2019
\n <\/a>
\n <\/span>
\n <\/span>
\n
\n
\n Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers from throughout U.S. Army Garrison Italy, tour St. Peter\u2019s Basilica before their soccer match with the Swiss Guard. On Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, the Vatican Swiss Guard hosted the American Soldiers again during their nearly decade long friendly soccer rivalry.
\n (Photo Credit: Randall Jackson)<\/span>
\n <\/span>
\n VIEW ORIGINAL<\/a>
\n <\/span>
\n <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s an awesome experience for them and an example of how BOSS gives them that option,\u201d Horrigan said. \u201cThese are Soldiers and they have a day job, but they also take competition seriously.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Pontifical Swiss Guard, known as the world\u2019s smallest army, have been guarding Popes and the Apostolic Palace since 1506. There are approximately 130 Swiss soldiers tasked with protecting the Pope.<\/p>\n

The games began a decade ago when Claudio Adamo, a retired garrison Directorate of Public Works employee, collaborated with Fabio Bertoluzzi a Swiss Guard friend, to start the \u201cVatican Cup.\u201d For the past ten years, the friendly rivalry has mostly seen the Vatican guards as victors in these soccer games. In August, the Swiss Guards played the U.S. Soldiers at Caserma Ederle and lost.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\n \"Soldiers\u2019
\n <\/a>
\n <\/span>
\n <\/span>
\n
\n
\n Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers from throughout U.S. Army Garrison Italy, huddle before their soccer match with the Swiss Guard outside the Vatican. On Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, the Vatican Swiss Guard hosted the American Soldiers again during their nearly decade long friendly soccer rivalry.
\n (Photo Credit: Randall Jackson)<\/span>
\n <\/span>
\n VIEW ORIGINAL<\/a>
\n <\/span>
\n <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Cathy Garcia, the BOSS representative from the garrison Directorate of Families, Morale, Welfare and Recreation, organized the trip that included that included 18 Soldiers and one Airman from both Vicenza and Camp Darby. Planning took nearly a year, but it was worth it, she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI get to meet Soldiers with different backgrounds and show them different parts of Europe and make their experience here better,\u201d Garcia said.<\/p>\n

From Kick Off to Hat Trick<\/strong><\/p>\n

In the first half, the Americans took a quick 3-1 lead \u2013 thanks to Sgt. Jose Ortiz, a 173rd NCO who scored three times. The U.S. Soldiers held hopes for an easy win.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\n \"Soldiers\u2019
\n <\/a>
\n <\/span>
\n <\/span>
\n
\n
\n Swiss Guard vs. BOSS Soldiers faceoff minutes away from Vatican City, on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023. The Vatican Swiss Guard hosted the American Soldiers again during their nearly decade long friendly soccer rivalry.
\n (Photo Credit: Randall Jackson)<\/span>
\n <\/span>
\n VIEW ORIGINAL<\/a>
\n <\/span>
\n <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

At half time, Swiss Guard Vice Corporal Joel Imholz, 25, from Uri \u2013 Switzerland\u2019s oldest canton, spoke of similarities between the two teams.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a great honor when we\u2019re playing against Soldiers,\u201d Imholz said. \u201cIt\u2019s also the soldier against the soldier, we all make different experiences in the army, but at the end of the day, it\u2019s probably the same all over the world.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Swiss turned things around in the second half, evening the score to 3-3. Ultimately, with penalty kicks, 4 to 1, the Swiss Guards won \u2013 taking the trophy back from the U.S. Army.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\n \"Soldiers\u2019
\n <\/a>
\n <\/span>
\n <\/span>
\n
\n
\n Swiss Guard Vice Corporal Joel Imholz left, and BOSS Soldier, Sgt. Raul Vargas discuss hopes for the next soccer match in Vicenza in 2024. On Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, the Vatican Swiss Guard hosted the American Soldiers again during their nearly decade long friendly soccer rivalry.
\n (Photo Credit: Randall Jackson)<\/span>
\n <\/span>
\n VIEW ORIGINAL<\/a>
\n <\/span>
\n <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Soccer remains important to the pontiff, who is a fan of San Lorenzo Almagro, a soccer team in his native Argentina. He reportedly relies upon the Swiss Guard to tell him the scores. Just as in the Pope\u2019s earlier remarks in St. Peters Square, there was joy. Both teams had fun, on and off the field.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\n \"Soldiers\u2019
\n <\/a>
\n <\/span>
\n <\/span>
\n
\n
\n A Swiss Guard performs his duties in a doorway at the Vatican. Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers from throughout U.S. Army Garrison Italy toured the Vatican and Rome before their soccer match with the Swiss Guard on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023.
\n (Photo Credit: Randall Jackson)<\/span>
\n <\/span>
\n VIEW ORIGINAL<\/a>
\n <\/span>
\n <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Reflecting on the experience<\/strong><\/p>\n

For Chaplain (Maj.) Stephen McDermott, a garrison priest, Rome feels like coming home, he said. He shepherded the troops through the city, to the Vatican and the nearby Swiss Guard barracks. Then, he was the referee for the soccer game. He called the ongoing matches between the U.S. Army and the Swiss Guard a \u201cwonderful, friendly rivalry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s such a wonderful cultural and spiritual experience, for all,\u201d McDermott said.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

For Sgt. Kevin Navas, 25, of Union City, New Jersey, Rome\u2019s walkable streets reminded him of home. Co-captain with Vargas, Navas missed last year\u2019s Swiss Guard game due to 173rd training. Through sport, Soldiers from various jobs and backgrounds build cohesion and camaraderie, he said.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\n
\n \"Soldiers\u2019
\n <\/a>
\n <\/span>
\n <\/span>
\n
\n
\n Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers from throughout U.S. Army Garrison Italy, join after their soccer match with the Swiss Guard outside the Vatican. On Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, the Vatican Swiss Guard hosted the American Soldiers again during their nearly decade long friendly soccer rivalry.
\n (Photo Credit: Randall Jackson)<\/span>
\n <\/span>
\n VIEW ORIGINAL<\/a>
\n <\/span>
\n <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not just soccer, it\u2019s a community we\u2019ve built,\u201d Navas said. \u201cIt\u2019s open to everyone, not just soccer players, so we have a range from beginner to advanced. We have fun on and off the pitch. People help each other out, especially with all the (jobs). You\u2019ll have finance people help out infantry guys. When they (move) they still talk with each other.\u201d<\/p>\n

In the evening, before the game, Dyon offered a pep talk while the Soldiers\u2019 warmed up. He hopes events like this help spark a greater interest in the BOSS program among other Soldiers.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s more than just great trips to go on\u201d Dyon said. \u201cIt\u2019s also a way to find healthy habits and friendships that are out of their usual teams, and find activities that they like and to enjoy the country they\u2019re in.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Pope Francis waves to a group of Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers from throughout U.S. Army Garrison Italy in St. Peter\u2019s Square. On Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, the Vatican Swiss Guard hosted the American Soldiers as part of their nearly decade-long friendly soccer rivalry. (Photo Credit: Randall Jackson) VIEW ORIGINAL VATICAN CITY \u2013 Sgt. Raul […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":52281,"comment_status":"close","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-52279","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52279","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=52279"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52279\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":52290,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52279\/revisions\/52290"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/52281"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=52279"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=52279"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=52279"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}