(Editor's Note: John B. Dendy, IV is a writer for the Army and Air Force Hometown News Services in San Antonio, TX)

For the daughter of two local residents, the view from her backyard holds sights most people have to pay a small fortune to see - the Italian Alps, lush vineyards and the gorgeous countryside of northeastern Italy. On top of that, it's just a day's drive or less away from dozens of beautiful and historic European locations. But Air Force Airman 1st Class Katherine L. Chirinos, daughter of Omar Chirinos of Westbury and Zoyla DeLagala of Lynbrook pays rents for these digs in more than just dollars.

Chirinos, a member of the 31st Fighter Wing, recently realized that life in Italy is far from a European vacation as she found herself one of the major players in Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. She is also helping to keep the peace in places like Bosnia and Kosovo.

At any given time, Aviano airmen can find themselves drilling with troops in Israel, hunkered in the field for a NATO inspection or involved in operations that span most of southern Europe, the Middle East and northern Africa, said the security forces member.

Úquot;My primary duty is to plot, record and monitor resource and personnel movements on the flight line,Úquot; said Chirinos. Úquot;As a patrolman, my job is to tactically patrol my area of responsibility and respond to incidents or alarms. The job keeps me pretty busy, but it's not too bad.Úquot;

The end of the Cold War should have eased tensions at NATO bases such as Aviano, but with the breakup of Yugoslavia and other Soviet satellite states, ethnic hatreds soon flared and bloodshed throughout the region brought new and even more critical missions. Construction cranes and buildings rising from once vacant pastures show that a US presence in the region is far from over.

Úquot;The construction is going to make life here even better than it already is,Úquot; Chirinos said. Úquot;I think making better workout areas and nice schools for the children on the base are great ways to improve the quality of life for everyone here.Úquot;

Between plotting trips to ancient Rome, Switzerland or any other of the many culturally rich locations easily within her reach, Chirinos said she loves experiencing the different language, culture, sights and sounds of living in a foreign locale.

Úquot;I like working with the service members from the different NATO countries,Úquot; she said. Úquot;This is my first base and I'm glad to get the opportunity to work with the Italians and being that I speak Spanish, it's easier for me to communicate with them. Every part of Italy has some kind of history that I learned about in school, but I would say Rome was the most interesting place I have been to. It's beautiful and ancient.Úquot;

When she has the time, Chirinos enjoys the many sights, sounds and tastes that Italy has to offer, but when the rent comes due on this European dream, she's off to make the US and the world a safer place.