Iraq War Veteran’s Journey: Finding Safety and Belonging in Europe
Michelle B. Dallocchio, an Iraq War veteran, left the United States in 2019 due to safety concerns. After moving to London and then to Italy, she feels secure and has no regrets. Dallocchio served in the US Army from 1998 to 2006. She joined out of love for her country, but her perspective changed after unsettling experiences in the US, particularly during the 2016 election.
In 2018, she and her husband relocated to Los Angeles. They planned to move to Europe after her husband received a job offer in London in 2019. The documentation process was facilitated by her husband’s employer, and she quickly found a sense of safety in the UK, a contrast to her experiences in the US. Dallocchio notes the stricter gun laws in the UK and feels less threatened there.
In 2022, they moved to Florence, Italy. Dallocchio experienced some racism in Italy, but things improved when they moved to Milan. She has learned some conversational Italian and appreciates her husband’s successful career managing multiple hotels in Europe. As an artist, her time in the UK and Italy has enhanced her creative vision.
What challenges did Michelle B. Dallocchio face during her transition from the US to Europe after serving in the military?
Interview with Michelle B. Dallocchio: An Iraq War Veteran’s Journey to Safety and Fulfillment Abroad
News Directory 3: Michelle, thank you for agreeing to share your story with us. Can you tell us what motivated you to leave the United States in 2019?
Michelle B. Dallocchio: Thank you for having me. My decision to leave was primarily driven by safety concerns. I served in the US Army from 1998 to 2006 and loved my country, but after some unsettling experiences during the 2016 election, I felt a shift in my perspective about the environment back home. The political and social climate was becoming increasingly concerning for me and my family.
News Directory 3: You initially moved to London before settling in Florence, Italy. How did you navigate that transition?
Michelle B. Dallocchio: It was quite an adjustment but thankfully facilitated by my husband’s job offer in London. I felt an immediate sense of safety upon arriving in the UK. The stricter gun laws there made a noticeable difference—I no longer felt the same kind of threat that I experienced in the US.
News Directory 3: That’s an important distinction. Once in Italy, you mentioned you faced some challenges, such as experiencing racism. How did that impact your experience?
Michelle B. Dallocchio: Yes, moving to Italy had its ups and downs. I did encounter some racism, which was challenging. However, our move to Milan marked a turning point; the environment felt more welcoming, and I found it easier to adjust. I started learning conversational Italian, which helped bridge some cultural gaps and foster stronger connections with the community.
News Directory 3: Considering your background as an artist, how has your time in Europe influenced your work?
Michelle B. Dallocchio: Living in the UK and Italy has profoundly enriched my creative vision. The historical and cultural atmosphere here has inspired my art in ways I couldn’t have imagined. I find that the experiences and landscapes I’ve encountered have significantly shaped my artistic expression.
News Directory 3: You mentioned missing certain aspects of life in the US, like national parks and friends. How do you reconcile those feelings with your decision to stay in Europe?
Michelle B. Dallocchio: It’s a balance. I genuinely miss places like the national parks and the friendships I left behind. However, the current political situation in the US, particularly after the recent election, has reaffirmed my decision to remain abroad. I’ve come to see Europe as my new home, and I encourage others to explore opportunities for citizenship in different countries. It can make the transition much smoother.
News Directory 3: It sounds like moving abroad has been a pivotal choice for you and your family. What advice would you give to others considering a similar path?
Michelle B. Dallocchio: I would say do thorough research and reflect deeply on your motivations. It’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons. However, if you feel a calling for change, seek it out. Freedom and safety are invaluable, and sometimes they come from exploring new horizons. Don’t shy away from considering your options for citizenship; it can provide a sense of security and ease in the relocation process.
News Directory 3: Thank you, Michelle, for sharing your insights and experiences with us. Your journey is truly inspiring.
Michelle B. Dallocchio: Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my story.
Although she misses certain aspects of the US, like national parks and friends, she has decided against moving back. The current political situation, especially after the recent election, solidified her decision to stay abroad. Dallocchio encourages others to explore their options for citizenship in other countries, which can ease the relocation process.
Her experience illustrates the journey of seeking safety and fulfillment abroad while navigating personal and cultural challenges. For Dallocchio and her family, moving to Europe was a pivotal choice that reshaped their lives positively.