The 185th RRAO Honors the Memory of Sergeant Salvatore Marracino Fallen in Iraq in 2005

The 185th Paratroopers Reconnaissance Target Acquisition Regiment "Folgore", also known as RRAO, recently held a series of commemorative events in honor of Sergeant Salvatore Marracino, who fell in Iraq on March 15, 2005. The commemoration took place both at the regiment's headquarters in Livorno and in the Sergeant's hometown, San Severo, in the province of Foggia, demonstrating the strong bond between the Army and the civilian community, as well as the deep respect for soldiers who have fallen in service.

In Livorno, at the RRAO headquarters, the traditional Marracino Trophy took place, a competition among the unit's teams that includes a relay race with a 16 kg weight for 300 meters, a shooting test at 25 meters, and a 50-meter swimming relay in combat gear. This year, the trophy was won by a team composed of operators from the operational unit of the III° Battalion "Poggio Rusco", with the award ceremony officiated by the RRAO Commander, Colonel Marco Margutti.

Parallel to the sporting events, a gesture of profound social and educational value was made in the hometown of Sergeant Marracino, San Severo. An Army delegation, led by Brigadier General Andrea Vicari, Commander of the Army Special Forces Command (COMFOSE), visited Marracino's family, strengthening the ties between the military institution and the families of the fallen. On this occasion, the HERRING Association donated ten tablets to the "De Amicis" school, which Salvatore attended, promoting the importance of memory among the new generations.

These events strengthen the sense of community and continuity between the Armed Forces and civilian society, highlighting the value of commitment and sacrifice for one's country. The Marracino Trophy and the initiatives in San Severo demonstrate the Italian Army's commitment to keeping the memory of its heroes alive, conveying important values of loyalty, courage, and dedication to future generations.