Task Force Longrifles Newsletter 2 Nov

1. LONGRIFLEs WEEKLY
A publication of the 2/138th FAR
Commander’s Corner Transportation Missions
First and foremost, “Thank You!” for the
outstanding job everyone is doing in their Boost Morale
assigned roles throughout the Horn of
Africa. Your efforts are not going unnoticed!
Keep it up!
One of the pillars of our unit’s mission is to build partnerships
with our African friends as well as our sister services and
coalition contingents. One approach to this is taking part in
an abundance of volunteer opportunities here in Djibouti.
Currently, the camp is taking part in English discussion
groups with both Djiboutian schools and our Japanese
counterparts to assist in learning English. There are both a
baby Orphanage and a boy’s Orphanage in need of caregivers,
playmates and laborers. A Wound Clinic is open that may fit
the bill for those of us with medical backgrounds.
I encourage all of us to promote a spirit of goodwill and
caring that will endure long after we return stateside. For DJIBOUTI- 2nd Lt. David Terracino assists in unloading supplies for the troops in Dire
Darwa, Ethiopia. (Photo by Sgt. Alexa Becerra, KYARNG)
more information, contact CH Slaughter, CH East or MAJ
Benton. 60 creditable hours lead to the award of the Military CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti - Soldiers from Task Force
Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. Remember Kentucky Longrifles have been tasked with a mission known simply
Cares! as “The Border Run”. The mission is vital to fellow Soldiers
currently conducting force protection at Camp Gilbert in Dire
CSM Thoughts Darwa, Ethiopia.
Greetings from the CSM! This week I wanted The Border Run mission consists of these Soldiers meeting
to focus on Structured Self Development at the border between Djibouti and Ethiopia to exchange
(SSD) and why it is vital to your career supplies.
during and after this deployment.
The transportation of supplies not only helps with material
According to www.ncosupport.com, needs for the Soldiers in Dire Darwa, but also helps boost their
beginning 1 Oct 2012, Soldiers must complete the appropriate
morale.
SSD level prior to attending NCOES. It is both the Soldier and CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 > > >
first line supervisor’s responsibility to ensure this is completed
for junior NCOs prior to Warrior Leaders Course (WLC).
Promotions, Awards, and Coins
The Army implemented this initiative in an effort to ensure
learning was consistent, enduring, and not sporadic for NCOs. • Sgt. 1st. Class Steve Sztanya promoted to Master Sgt.,
It will help you both in the military and as a civilian when we effective date Oct. 3, 2012
return from deployment. In today’s competitive market, every • Sgt. Raymundo Pelayo promoted to Staff Sgt., effective
advantage you can get is worth pursuing to give you that edge. date Oct. 25, 2012
To find out more information about enrolling, you can begin • Sgt. Brent Futrell promoted to Staff Sgt., effective date
by asking your Platoon Sergeant or do a Google search for Oct. 1, 2012
SSD.
• Pvt. Matthew Wise advanced to Pfc., Effective date Oct.
I highly encourage you to begin SSD as soon as you are settled 24, 2012
in to a good rhythm and comfortable with your new home.
Again, time management is the key to getting the most out of • Pvt. Tyler Todd advanced to Pfc., Effective date Oct. 23,
this deployment. 2012

2. TRANSPORTATION CONTINUED FROM P. 2 > > >
“If it weren’t for these missions, our Soldiers downrange
MWR Schedule
would not be able to send or receive mail,” said Sgt. 1st • Nov. 1 - Pizzaiolo Pizza Buffet & Night Swim, 1800-2200
Class Phillip Rudolph, C Battery Headquarters Platoon Sgt., Cost: $30
Mission Commander for the border runs and also a resident • Nov 4 - Moucha Island, 0730-1700 Cost: E1-E6 $29, E7
of Union, Kentucky. Rudolph continued, “Also, they’ve been & Above $34/Whale Shark Snorkeling & Reef Diving
without power at times, so we have supplied them with the 0730-1830 Cost: E1-E6 $57, E7 & Above $60/Pool, Spa
equipment necessary w/lunch at The Lac Assal Restaurant, Kempinski Cost:
to keep the generators E1-E6 $57, E7 & Above $66
running when needed.” • Nov 20 - Downtown Market Shopping 1830-2100, Free
• Nov 22 - Whale Shark Snorkeling and Reef Diving
“We’re also able to
bring back bags of
Ethiopian coffee,
which the troops here
Photo of the Week
on Camp Lemonnier
love.” Rudolph added,
“The Dire Darwa guys
also have been visiting
an orphanage, so we’ll
transport any items
that we put together for
the kids, such as shoes,
DJIBOUTI - Spc. Tom Utz and 2nd Lt. Jones load
clothing and food.” a truck with supplies for the troops in Dire Darwa,
Ethiopia. (Photo by Sgt. Alexa Becerra, KYARNG)
The Soldiers downrange
aren’t the only troops which benefit from the border runs
though. DJIBOUTI- Staff Sgt. Jeven Kedding and Spc. Jared Sypian of the Site Security Team partake
in a joint training mission to ensure team readiness.(Photo by Sgt. Alexa Becerra, KYARNG)
“We facilitate transportation of various supplies for our
Soldiers, along with supplies for Navy and Air Force personnel
based in Ethiopia,” said Staff Sgt. Clinton Ragsdale, a
Lawrenceburg, Ky. native who serves as the Communications Chaplain Reflections
Sgt. and Operations Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge
of C Battery. Ragsdale continued, “Along with transporting “Blessed is the man whose strength is in God.
supplies, we also facilitate chain of command and Chaplain When he passes through the valley of hardship
visits downrange.” he will go from strength to strength.” The battle
hardened warrior King David wrote these powerful words in
The border runs also give the opportunity for Soldiers tasked Psalm 84.
with this mission to go outside of the military setting, both in
Ethiopia and Djibouti. As Soldiers we know what it is like to go from strength to
strength. Our physical training has taught us that the end
“It’s an eye opener for the people that go on these missions result of putting our bodies under the stress of the weight
because you get to see how the local population lives and room or the running track is increased strength. At the end of
it makes you appreciate what you have back home,” said our work-out we feel weaker than when we started; but at the
Ragsdale. “And that’s the whole reason we’re doing this, for end of the day, we have moved from one level of strength to a
the people back home.” greater level of strength.
Soldier to Soldier As the days ahead challenge and test us, it would be eay to
view our deployment as something to endure. Let’s decide now
that this deployment is going to make us stronger mentally,
Registration for Flag Football will be held Nov. 1 emotionally, physically and spiritually as individuals and as
thorugh Nov. 9 at the Fitness Center. families. Let’s go from strength to strength.
Longrifles Weekly Volume 1, Issue 3
Page 2 November 2, 2012