1. LONGRIFLEs WEEKLYA publication of the 2/138th FAR
We must continue to remain focused on our
mission and see it through to its completion.
We’ll be home before you know it, but don’t
let that fact cloud your judgment. We have
done a great job thus far, and I know that
we will continue to exceed the standard in
providing force protection for this Camp.
On that note, I want to re-iterate to everyone the importance
of looking ahead to the future. If you are currently un-
employed, you should be working on your resume and
looking at jobs NOW.
The job market remains very tough and competitive, but
you have a unique set of skills and experiences that can be of
value to employers. We have many accomplished Soldiers in
this battalion that can help you with building your resume,
so ask your leadership!
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) and
the KYNG have also established Operation Hire Djibouti to
assist you with career counseling and building a resume, take
advantage of this!
Thanks again for all of your hard work!
~ Capt. Aaron Vansickle
CPT’s Corner
As this deployment nears its end, our
minds are on all the things we need to do
when we get home. We must stay focused
and continue our mission. With that
being said planning for the future is not
a bad idea. Take time to plan a budget for
vacation, do price comparisons on potential big ticket items
and make a list of pros and cons on potential big ticket item.
I know it sounds funny, but I have watched Soldiers come
home from a deployment and blow their savings.
Some of our Soldiers will be unemployed or under employed.
Take time to fine tune your resume and check out the jobs
websites the PAO office pushed out. Time is in abundance
here, so get your ducks in a row now because your leave time
will fly-by and you will be busy whether you think so or not.
If you follow these steps it will make for a smooth transition
from active duty back to civilian life.
~ Sgt. 1st Class Sean Russell
1SG Thoughts
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A Much Needed Expansion-
Completed
Story by Capt. Daniel Van Horn, 2-138th FAR PAO
April 19, 2013
Volume 1, Issue 26
CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti - One of the lasting legacies
the Kentucky National Guard will leave with Djibouti is a ex-
pansion at the Caritas Wound Clinic. The project was com-
pleted by Task Force Longrifles Soldiers with construction
backgrounds who volunteered for several months to build an
outdoor shower, awning, and patio. The Soldiers also men-
tored Djiboutian teenagers along the way so they could learn
these valuable skills as well.
The Soldiers that helped with the project were Sgt. 1st Class
Shawn Alan Spurlock from Lexington, Ky., a building main-
tenance worker at the University of Kentucky Medical Center;
Sgt. Michael Bryant from Louisville, Ky., a liscenced plumb-
er; Spc. Chris Durham from Nicholasville, Ky., a general con-
tractor with his own business; and Spc. Christopher Johnson
from Campbellsburg, Ky., who has worked in construction
for nearly a decade.
To recognize the Soldiers’ achievement, the Battalion award
each Soldier the Army Achievement Medal.
In addition, each of the Djiboutian teenagers that helped were
awarded a certificate of achievement that should help them
when looking for future job opportunities.
CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti - US Soldiers and Djiboutians that volunteered to make the
wound clinic stand united after recieving certificates and awards for their endeavors. Photo
credit: Capt. Daniel Van Horn, PAO

2. Longrifles Weekly
Page 2
Chaplain Reflections
”Jesus wept” John 11:35
After the bombing attack in Boston it
seems reasonable to ask? Why would
God allow things like this to happen to
innocent people? When these things
happen so many are quick to dismiss God,
but if I don’t put my faith in God where do
I put it, in humanity?
Let us not forget that God’s message is ultimately a promise
of hope, grace and mercy. It is free thinking man that
corrupts, murders, and destroys. Times like these are
tragic, horrific, emotionally painful, and our hearts are
hurting. It is in moments like these that we need to turn
and run to God instead of run away from him.
Really, what can we be thankful for? Well, we can thank
God that we have men and women who serve as law
enforcement personnel working diligently to bring to
justice those responsible. So as we take a step back and
acknowledge the fragile nature of life and just how quickly
it can go or be changed, let us take heart and reach out to
our fellow man.
The world seems dark in times like these but look around
and you will see plenty of light. You will see God’s reflection
in the form of: policemen, firefighters, EMTs, doctors,
nurses and even just the everyday citizen who helped. More
than that, God will be seen in the power of prayer. Keep the
faith and remember God is just. To those affected, if you are
reading, my heart and prayers are with you.
~ Chaplain Mark Slaughter
Needed Expansion CONTINUED FROM P. 1 > > >
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Soldier to Soldier
• Soldiers, do not forget to visit http://
operationhiredjibouti.com/ This website is designed
to help Guardsmen find jobs upon returning from
deployment.
Father Mark Riley, the Deputy Chaplain for Camp Lemon-
nier was asked to present the awards and certificates at the
event.
Riley was instrumental in getting the project coordinated
and approved and was incredibly proud of how well the proj-
ect had gone.
After many pictures, hugs, and handshakes the group de-
parted the clinic leaving a permanant change to a clinic that
will never forget the Longrifles and the skills they brought,
shared, and used to improve their clinic forever.
The Soldiers have already scouted their next project and will
be getting the neccesary supplies over the next few weeks so
they can begin.
DJIBOUTI, Africa - Father Mark Reilly presents the Army Achievement Award to Spc.
Christopher Johnson on April 17th, 2013
Photo of the Week!
Task Force Longrifles Soldiers participated in the assumption of command ceremony color
guard on April 17th, 2013. Photo credit: CJTF-HOA, Public Affairs