After 25 years in corporate finance, Italian host nation employee returns to Army

Sep 30, 2024 at 12:58 PM

Forklift Operator Finds Fulfillment in Serving the U.S. Army

Remo Romiti, a 63-year-old Italian local national employee, has found his calling as a material handler and forklift operator with the Army Field Support Battalion-Africa at Leghorn Army Depot in Italy. After a brief stint in the corporate world, Romiti returned to the Army community, where he thrives on the daily challenges and the opportunity to contribute to the mission.

Unlocking the Secrets of Efficient Logistics for the U.S. Army

A Lifelong Commitment to the Army

Remo Romiti's journey with the U.S. Army began in 1980 when he started working as a material handler in ammunition surveillance at the Leghorn Army Depot. After a decade of dedicated service, he decided to explore the corporate world, taking on a job in business finance and insurance. However, the allure of the Army community and the dynamic nature of the work drew him back, and in 2016, he was selected to rejoin the team as a material handler and forklift operator with the Army Field Support Battalion-Africa.

Embracing the Challenges of Logistics

As a material handler and forklift operator, Romiti's responsibilities are multifaceted and ever-changing. He spends much of his time in the shipping and receiving area, where he oversees the palletization of materials and ensures that all required documentation is in order. When shipments arrive, Romiti meticulously verifies the serial numbers, stock numbers, and quantities, cross-checking the items with the paperwork to ensure accuracy. Once everything is confirmed, he coordinates with his supervisor to deliver the materials to the appropriate warehouses, where they can be accessed by the maintainers and mechanics for repairs and upgrades.

Navigating the Complexities of Army Prepositioned Stocks

Romiti's role is crucial in supporting the operations of the Army Field Support Battalion-Africa, which is responsible for receiving, maintaining, and storing the Army Prepositioned Stocks-2 at the Leghorn Army Depot. This vast facility encompasses 16 warehouses with 749,000 square feet of humidity-controlled storage, four maintenance facilities, and an additional 1.5 million square feet of outdoor storage. Romiti's attention to detail and efficient handling of materials ensure that the various organizations supported by the battalion, including U.S. European Command, U.S. Africa Command, U.S. Army Europe and Africa, and the 173rd Airborne Brigade, have the resources they need to maintain readiness and support their missions.

Balancing Work and Passion

When Romiti is not immersed in the daily operations at the Leghorn Army Depot, he indulges in his lifelong passion for cycling. For the past 15 years, the Italian local national has averaged three major road races per year, competing in the master's division and often emerging victorious. This pursuit not only keeps him physically active but also provides a welcome respite from the demands of his job, allowing him to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Embracing the Army Community

Romiti's dedication to the U.S. Army is evident in his unwavering commitment to his work and his deep appreciation for the Army community. After a brief stint in the corporate world, he longed to return to the dynamic environment of the Army, and his persistence paid off when he was selected for the material handler and forklift operator role. Romiti's enthusiasm for his work and his genuine affection for the Army's mission make him an invaluable asset to the team, and his story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the rewards of finding one's true calling.