Veteran celebrates birthday and 69 years of SETAF-AF

Every year, retired U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ed Furnish says he gets to celebrate two birthdays—one in September and one in October. The first is his actual birthday; the second is the anniversary of U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) —an organization that holds a special meaning in his life since he was stationed here in 1959, when he arrived as a 17-year-old from a small farm in Indiana.

“SETAF means home,” said retired U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ed Furnish. “I married my wife, an Italian from nearby Castelfranco. All three of my children attended school here, and my youngest daughter was born in the hospital on post.”

By 1st Lt. Katherine Sibilla , U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa Vicenza, Italy Nov 06, 2024

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VICENZA, Italy — Every year, retired U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ed Furnish says he gets to celebrate two birthdays—one in September and one in October. The first is his actual birthday; the second is the anniversary of U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) —an organization that holds a special meaning in his life since he was stationed here in 1959, when he arrived as a 17-year-old from a small farm in Indiana.

Now 82 years old, Furnish was the oldest attendee at SETAF-AF’s 69th anniversary and had the honor of cutting the birthday cake alongside the youngest Soldier, Pfc. Daely Goodwin, at the celebration. They were joined by U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Andrew C. Gainey, commanding general of SETAF-AF.

Throughout his military career, Furnish served with SETAF-AF—then called SETAF until 2020—in the logistics division. After retiring from the military, he spent 34 years as a civil servant, living in Vicenza for many of those years working for SETAF-AF and U.S. Army Garrison Italy.

“SETAF means home,” said Furnish. “I married my wife, an Italian from nearby Castelfranco. All three of my children attended school here, and my youngest daughter was born in the hospital on post.”

Over the last eight decades, Furnish has witnessed SETAF-AF evolve, adapting to new missions and expanding its reach across continents. Initially, the unit operated as part of NATO’s defense in Southern Europe, with a particular focus on protecting Italy. When Furnish arrived in Vicenza in 1959, SETAF consisted of 6,000 Soldiers and was divided into three major elements: a headquarters command, missile command and a logistical command. The command spanned three installations in Verona, Vicenza and Livorno.

“I think SETAF started out with a purpose in 1955, and now there’s an even bigger purpose for SETAF-AF. They’re going to keep growing,” Furnish said.

He also saw Vicenza evolve from a city recovering from the destruction of World War II to a bustling center of activity. Yet, for Furnish, one thing that has not changed in over 65 years is the core of Italian culture.

“Italy has always had fantastic food and wine—none of that has changed,” he said. “The Italian way of life hasn’t changed either. Life may be faster-paced now, but their culture remains the same as it was when I arrived in 1959.”

During the 69th anniversary ceremony, Furnish joined other U.S. and Italian military dignitaries, including Magda Maselli, the daughter of Phil Maselli, who served SETAF-AF for 43 years. A journal belonging to Phil Maselli, which documented the early history of SETAF-AF, was presented to Gainey during the event.

“We have worked side-by-side with our Italian hosts to promote peace and security,” said Gainey. “I’m proud to be part of that legacy, and today we have an opportunity to honor two individuals whose contributions shaped our shared history.”

Before the cake cutting, Gainey recognized both Furnish and Maselli for their contributions and long-standing service to SETAF-AF.

“I think it’s great that SETAF continues to recognize this every year, showing the younger generation that the tradition is going to carry on,” Furnish concluded.

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