America's Wounded Warriors Honored at Tribute Concert Hosted by Finmeccanica North America at the Embassy of Italy

Nearly 100 members of the military and their families attended concert and charitable donation presentation

WASHINGTON, Nov. 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Saturday night, Finmeccanica North America hosted wounded warriors from National Naval Medical Center, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Fort Meade and Fort Belvoir in a celebration to honor their courage and patriotism on and off the battlefield. This tribute event at the Embassy of Italy, called "Italian Belcanto in America," included a musical performance featuring Carlo Rizzari, Assistant Conductor at the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia in Rome, Italy, and the New York Opera Society Chamber Orchestra.

The Ambassador of Italy, representatives from the Department of Defense, and senior Congressional staff were on hand to welcome and honor nearly 100 U.S. servicemen and women, and their families. "The American warriors who graciously joined us for this special event are part of a military that protects and defends not only U.S. citizens, but the citizens of U.S. allies all over the world," said Ambassador Giulio Terzo di Sant' Agata. "At a time when troops from the United States and Italy stand together to ensure international peace and security, it is with deep admiration and heartfelt thanks that we acknowledge the monumental sacrifices made by these brave warriors, and their loved ones."

Following the performance, Finmeccanica North America CEO Simone Bemporad made a special presentation and charitable donation to The Aleethia Foundation, in recognition of their support of injured servicemen and women. "As part of Finmeccanica North America's commitment to the Armed Forces, we would also like to take this opportunity to salute an organization whose sole mission is to support America's wounded heroes," said Bemporad during the presentation. "Tonight, Finmeccanica North America is pleased to renew our commitment to The Aleethia Foundation and the wounded warriors they support with a donation of $75,000."

Accepting the check for The Aleethia Foundation was Founder and President, Hal Koster. "We are incredibly fortunate to have supporters like Finmeccanica North America who are committed not only to creating products that sustain and support America's war fighters on the battlefield, but also committed to the care of those same warriors when they return home. This generous contribution will allow The Aleethia Foundation to continue the therapeutic recreation that aids in the healing of injured troops who have bravely guarded our freedoms."

NOTE: High resolution photos from this event are available upon request. Please contact edodge@qorvis.com.

About The Aleethia Foundation

The Aleethia Foundation supports the injured warriors through short-term therapeutic recreation. The benefits of social interaction and change of environment have proven extremely beneficial for the wounded warriors and their families. The Aleethia Foundation focuses on providing activities away from the hospital setting and hosts Friday Night Dinners for the service members, families and caregivers in the National Capitol Region.

About Finmeccanica North America

Finmeccanica North America employs approximately 13,000 employees at 83 sites across the country through its subsidiaries: AgustaWestland North America; Alenia North America; AnsaldoBreda; Ansaldo Energia; Ansaldo STS; Bell Agusta Aerospace; DRS Technologies; Elsag North America; Global Aeronautica; Global Military Aircraft Systems; MBDA; OTO Melara North America; SELEX Communications; SELEX Galileo; SELEX Sistemi Integrati; Telespazio North America; and Thales Alenia Space. Whether transporting troops and cargo, securing the borders, tracking criminals, or enhancing the Navy's capabilities, Finmeccanica products ensure safety and security in the United States.