Have you ever wondered what it would take to turn an overseas assignment into a permanent move? One Army family figured it out and made a smooth transition from military life to civilian work after military retirement in Vicenza, Italy.
What began as a three-year tour became an opportunity to build a new chapter abroad. With careful planning, flexibility, and a willingness to explore every option, they found a way to stay in the place they'd grown to love.
Falling in Love with Life in Italy
Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CW4) Brian Blake and his family were stationed in Vicenza from 2018-2021. It was their first overseas move, but as the end of their tour and Brian’s possible military retirement approached, they realized they did not want to return to the United States.
They faced a familiar question for military families: “Where do we move if we move ‘home?’”
Brian is from California, which they found too expensive. Marissa, his wife, is originally from Massachusetts but lived in the DC area for a long time. Neither location appealed.
“I don’t want to work to live,” explains Marissa.
They also enjoyed the amazing travel opportunities Europe offers, plus the family had fallen in love with Italy and the Vicenza area.
“We love the culture, the food, and the people,” says Marissa. She and the kids also speak Italian, and the whole family has embraced the slower pace of southern European life. Italians have an expression: la dolce far niente or “the sweetness of doing nothing.” Brian and Marissa have come to appreciate that mindset, especially while raising two children.
How to Stay Overseas After Military Retirement?
When the couple first decided they wanted to stay in Europe, they waited to see if Brian would get promoted to CW5. A promotion might have meant another overseas tour and more time on active duty. Unfortunately, the promotion list came out, and Brian’s name wasn’t on it. The couple had five months before his military retirement to find another path.
Marissa and Brian both began applying for jobs all over Europe. Marissa had recently earned a master’s in project management from Boston University and had extensive experience working in her field. They expected Brian to have a better chance of landing a position working with the military because of his 24 years of service, but they pursued every lead.
While open to any opportunity that would keep the family in Europe, they preferred contracting roles to civil service positions. Jobs with federal contractors are sometimes less stable, but unlike most General Schedule (GS) positions, they don’t limit how long a family can remain overseas. Also, some GS positions require a return to the United States before moving back abroad.
Ultimately, Brian landed interviews for positions in Germany and Vicenza. The choice was easy.
Nearing military retirement and wondering how much you’ll need to live? Use a military retirement calculator like the ones provided by the DoD or Military OneSource to help make an informed decision.
Photo by austinuxkbellz from pixabay via Canva.com
Civilian Life in Vicenza
The transition to life as civilians in Vicenza was straightforward. The Blakes renewed their visas, updated their passports, and stayed in their house. Having used the Vicenza Health Clinic while on active duty, they were “grandfathered in” as retirees and also use TRICARE overseas for medical care off base.
Schooling was the biggest change for the children. The couple’s son, William, had always attended Italian schools, but their daughter, Eve, went to Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools while Brian was on active duty. DoDEA schools overseas are free for command-sponsored dependents of service members and DoD civilians, but tuition for others is upwards of $25,000 per year.
Brian’s new employer offered education support, but the family opted for an international school for both children. It’s half the cost of DoDEA schools and uses the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, which is widely recognized in Europe. Classes are in English, but the kids are also studying Italian and Spanish.
Socially, Marissa has focused on building relationships with locals and others who plan to stay in Vicenza long term. “I actively seek out people I think might be here longer,” she says.
Brian enjoys his civilian role, and Marissa continues her full-time volunteer work with base organizations. Employment options for spouses in Vicenza have historically been limited, as most on-base jobs are reserved for local nationals. A recent policy change now allows remote work for U.S.-based employers, and Marissa is considering relaunching AWTEWdesigns, the business she started in 2009.
Looking Ahead After Military Retirement
The Blakes hope to remain in Vicenza indefinitely. William, now eight, has lived in Italy for almost his entire life. Eve, 17, plans to study music in the UK next year, so staying in Italy would keep the family closer.
Marissa will apply to DoDEA as a local hire, and the couple is researching options for Italian residency or citizenship. As they did in the months before Brian’s retirement, they’re exploring every path to stay. If all goes as planned, their Vicenza house will become their “forever home.”
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