Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the remarkable service of Dr. Piero Mattei, who is Prefect to the Province of Vicenza in the Republic of Italy. Prefect Mattei is retiring after forty years of remarkable service to not only the Italian people, but also to our country.

The U.S. Army's Southern European Task Force's, USASETAF, headquarters is based in the city of Caserma Ederle, in Vicenza. The USASETAF base is home to the 173rd Airborne Battalion, 14th Transportation Battalion, 22nd Area Support Group, 509th Signal Battalion, and the 663rd Transportation Detachment. Prefect Mattei has been a steadfast friend of the United States of America, and has shown particular care and concern for the American soldiers, civilians, and families who live and work at USASETAF. Prefect Mattei has shown great personal courage and great respect in dealing with sensitive issues of international importance.

When protesters tried to block the construction of the 173rd Airborne's new base in Dal Molin, it was Prefect Mattei's skill and personal intervention that helped to move the project forward towards completion. This is just one of many examples of this extraordinary public servant's devotion to justice and warm relations between our two great nations.

On behalf of this thankful nation, I wish Prefect Mattei and Signora Piera the very best as they embark on this new and exciting chapter in their life. They will always be special friends of the people of the United States of America.