ITALIAN CORNER
SUMMER 2021 Italian American Digest PAGE 22
Introducing : Dr . ( Air Force Major ) John A . Losurdo
Let me introduce you to an Italian character in America : Dr . Gianni Losurdo , U . S . Air Force
Dr . Gianni ( John ) A . Losurdo spent the first 20 years of his life in Triggiano , a small town near the city Bari , located in the southern region Puglia , off the Adriatic coast of Italy . His whole family is from this region .
He grew up playing soccer , which became his beloved sport . After middle school , he attended “ Liceo Scientifico Statale .” From a very young age , he spent most of his summers helping his family work in the vineyards . Every fall , he helped harvest olives in his family ’ s “ campagna .”
As a young teen , he had always dreamed of going to America .
At 20 years of age , he traveled to London , England , to improve his English language skills . In England , he worked at McDonald ’ s as a crewmember and then floor manager . During this time , he also took English classes with other foreign exchange students .
One year later , he decided to pursue his dream and moved to America . He considered America the land of opportunity . In 1994 , he landed in
Cav . Joseph Ventura Chicago , IL with just a suitcase and about $ 300 . He lived at the YMCA for some time and continued to work in the restaurant industry to make ends meet .
In 1995 , he was approached by an Air Force recruiter , while seeking
Dr . e Mrs . ( Lt . Col ) Gianni A . Losurdo
employment opportunities at a local library , and decided to join the Air Force . He considers this to be the best decision of his life .
He completed Basic Military Training in San Antonio , TX and graduated with honors .
His military assignments include Eglin Air Force Base ( AFB ) FL , Duke Field FL , Dover AFB DE , and Keesler AFB MS .
He served as a senior non-commissioned officer while he was enlisted . He later completed commissioned officer training at Maxwell AFB in Montgomery , AL . He was also a distinguished graduate as an officer . He currently holds the rank of Major .
Dr . Losurdo graduated with summa cum laude from the University of West Florida with a double major in Biology and Molecular Genetics .
After completing medical school in Kentucky and earning his doctorate of medicine , he completed his surgery residency at Keesler Medical Center .
He currently serves as an attending surgeon and faculty member for the surgery residency both at Keesler and the VA medical center in the Gulf Coast . He also serves as the commander for the general surgery flight .
Dr . Losurdo is married to Lieutenant Colonel Marnee A . Losurdo , who also serves as an Air Force officer at Keesler AFB in Biloxi , Mississippi .
The Gulf Coast Italian American Cultural Society is pleased to recognize such an outstanding person who immigrated from Italy to serve and honor the United States Air Force !
Joseph Ventura is president the “ Gulf Coast Italian-American Cultural Society ” of Gulfport / Biloxi . Born in Muro Lucano ( Potenza ) Italy he emigrated to the United States in 1962 . He is a Vietnam veteran and he honorably served the United States Army for 35 years . He retired in the grade of First Sergeant . Ventura is a freelance journalist and is a member of the International Association of the Press Inc . He has written numerous columns including the “ Il Progresso Italo-Americano ” in New York City , The New Jersey “ Garfield Messenger ” and the “ Lodi Independent . He contributed many articles to the Hattiesburg “ Pine Belt News ” and the “ Lamar County “ Our Home ” magazine ”.
He is a 2009 recipient of the Cavalier ’ s Cross , Italy ’ s highest civilian award from the Gran Priorato d ’ Italia . Ventura has a bachelor degree ’ s in culinary arts from the Pellegrino Artusi , an international school for chefs in Tuscany . He can be contacted at joeventu @ comcast . net