At a time when relations between the United States and Europe appear strained—due to the protectionist and isolationist policies of former President Donald Trump, marked by tariffs and trade barriers—symbols of unity, remembrance, and international cooperation across the Atlantic are becoming increasingly meaningful and appreciated. One such symbol is the monument located at Abraham Lincoln High School in Los Angeles, which honors courage and historical memory as values capable of guiding future generations toward a better tomorrow. This tribute, dedicated to former students who served in the Vietnam War, is more than a memorial to the fallen and the veterans—it also conveys a message of hope and solidarity that continues to inspire the local community. Among the names engraved on this stone is that of Elio Chiavetta, a former student and Vietnam War veteran, whose example of dedication and commitment remains a source of inspiration for all.
By Roberta Imbimbo
In the heart of Los Angeles, at the historic Abraham Lincoln High School, stands a monument dedicated to alumni who either fell or returned from the Vietnam War. It is more than a tribute—it is a powerful symbol of courage, freedom, and civic engagement. Among the names carved into the stone is Elio Chiavetta – “S62 USAF” – former student, veteran, and now a respected figure in the province of Latina, Italy. The ‘S62’ denotes the year he graduated (summer 1962), and ‘USAF’ stands for his service in the United States Air Force. The monument serves as a landmark for both the school and the surrounding community. The engraved dedication—”To honor the brave men and women whose service gives life to our most precious gift: FREEDOM”—underscores the value of memory as a social bond, an educational tool, and a warning for future generations.
Elio Chiavetta’s journey began in Fiume, then still part of Italy. As a child, he emigrated with his family to the United States, growing up in Los Angeles and attending Lincoln High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War, serving from 1965 to 1971 in the field of classified strategic communications. For this role, he was granted a Top Secret Security Clearance, essential for accessing the sensitive information of Strategic Air Command (SAC) bases, including the operational protocols of B-52 nuclear bombers.
“We were in the midst of the Cold War,” Chiavetta recalls. “American defense plans required constant connectivity between Middle East bases and the Pentagon. To access these systems, absolute trust was required, verified through meticulous investigations carried out directly by the FBI.”
After being discharged, Chiavetta returned to Europe, bringing with him the professional and human experience built during his years in America. In 1973, he joined the NATO Communications and Information Systems School (NCISS) in Latina, Italy, where he worked until his retirement in 2007. His career was marked by high-responsibility roles—Head of Training Branch, Chief Engineer—and by the granting of a COSMIC Top Secret clearance, NATO’s highest international security level.
“COSMIC,” he explains, “stands for Control Of Secret Material in an International Command. It meant handling highly sensitive data and technologies, including NATO nuclear weapon protocols and encrypted communication systems. Every detail had to be managed with absolute precision to ensure the safety of all Allied nations.”
Even after retiring from his military and international career, Elio Chiavetta continued to serve the community. Today, he passionately leads Medical Pontino, a diagnostic excellence center in Latina, guided by an American-learned philosophy: the principle of give back—returning to the community what one has received.
This philosophy translates into concrete acts of solidarity, such as the “Banca delle Visite” initiative, which provides free medical care to those who cannot afford it, and in public health awareness campaigns open to the entire population. “I believe in social responsibility,” says Chiavetta. “Every healthcare facility should be an ethical stronghold, not just a clinical one. It’s essential to build a network among institutions, professionals, and citizens to shape a fairer and more informed society.”
Over the years, Medical Pontino has received numerous accolades, including a symbolic but deeply meaningful award from the Municipality of Latina last November. The honor, presented by Mayor Matilde Celentano, recognized the Chiavetta family’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to healthcare, particularly through the provision of free services for those in financial difficulty, made possible by a network of volunteer doctors and partner clinics.
This recognition adds to the many tributes received by Medical Pontino, which continues to stand as a virtuous model of solidarity-based healthcare, where entrepreneurial success goes hand in hand with civic and social responsibility for the most vulnerable.
Elio Chiavetta’s life is a tangible example of how memory, sacrifice, civic commitment, and expertise can be transformed into collective value. A message more relevant than ever in an era increasingly detached from its roots. In a time marked by division and isolation, Chiavetta reminds us that true patriotism is not measured by strategies, but by stories—by concrete actions and responsible choices that truly unite people.
