1. LONGRIFLEs WEEKLY
A publication of the 2/138th FAR February 8, 2013
Volume 1, Issue 16
CPT’s Corner 2/138th Soldiers Participate in
After participating in a very specific brief
to the Kentucky TAG and the Brigade
155mm Live Fire with French
Commander, I noticed one piece of data
that stood out. This data set depicts our
Artillerymen
Story and photos by Sgt. Alexa Becerra, 2-138th PAO
involvement in practically every effort on
DJIBOUTI - Soldiers from Task Force Longrifles participated
both Camp Lemonnier and the HOA. There
in a 155mm CAESER cannon live fire exercise with the
are Longrifle personnel teaching college classes, involved
with the Red Cross, teaching cross-fit, attending college, 93e regiment d’artillerie de montagne (93rd Artillery and
volunteering in every organization, and leading church Mountain Warfare Regiment) of Grenoble, France, in Arta,
services just to name a few. Djibouti, on Jan. 27, 2013.
The battalion has improved in physical fitness and weight loss, The Kentucky Soldiers were able to become oriented with
as well as civil and military education. We do these things on the French artillery piece, which is a bit different than the
top of our involvement in every facet of Camp operations, M109A6 Paladin which they are accustomed to. For instance,
as well as conducting the force protection required so camp the Paladin is more independently mobile on ground, but
personnel can sleep at night. As we enter into the second half the CAESER shoots faster and further than the former.
of this mission, I see these numbers growing even further
as all Soldiers have shown a commitment to both unit and Within a matter of minutes, despite the language barrier,
personal success. Thank you for your sacrifice and God Bless. Staff Sgt. Kenneth Winninger was able to explain to the
Longrifles! ~Capt. Vincent Barber other American Soldiers present which fire commands and
methods of fire the French were going to execute next, as
1SG Thoughts well as the overall concept of the 155mm cannon.
Let me first start by saying how proud “Ultimately, we speak the same language as far as artillery
I am to be a part of such an outstanding goes,” said Winninger. “This was my first time working with
Command team. The soldiers of the 2/ a foreign artillery unit, and it was really neat to paticipate in
138th Field Artillery Regiment are among this live fire and understand each other through the basic
the best in representing the Army and concepts of artillery.”
Army National Guard.
We have been in country now since October, and as a 1st
Sgt, I recognize that we are on the downhill slide toward
the end of our mission in the Horn of Africa. Additionally,
I realize some of the perils of that are beginning to creep in
and disrupt the flow of operation through the “short-timers”
attitude. I want simply to warn us against complacency and
carelessness, as these ideals have no place in our current
operating environment. I am charging all NCOs, as directed
by the CSM, to be more vigilant and watchful. Respond
more swiftly and with more tenacity to violations against
uniform policy, camp alcohol/ drinking policy and customs
& courtesies. At the same time I want to remind the lower
enlisted that you are only designated “lower” by rank and
position. The mark of a good leader is that he/ she is a good
follower. Soldiers ought to be looking out for each other. Let’s
straighten our backs and charge to the end with our eyes
wide-open.
ARTA Djibouti - 1st Lt. Michael Melton fires a 155mm cannon at a live fire
Thank you HHB for allowing me to lead such an AWESOME exercise with the 93e regiment d’artillerie de montagne of Grenoble, France on
group of soldiers. I look forward to our continued successes Jan. 27, 2013.
together. ~1st Sgt. Robert Burns
CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 > > >

2. 2/138th SOLDIERS CONTINUED FROM P. 1 > > >
Soldier to Soldier
ARTA, Djibouti - • Any Soldier interested in participating in a shout-
(Right) 2nd Lt. Doyle
Stephens loads a out should stop by the Public Affairs office located
round into the 155 in building 150, Monday through Friday from 1300-
mm CAESER cannon
at a live fire exercise 1600. POC is Capt. Van Horn, ext. 4807.
with the 93e regiment
d’artillerie de mon-
• Any Soldier interested in volunteering for Troops
tagne of Grenoble, and Teachers on Tuesdays and Thursdays, contact
France, on Jan. 27th, 1st Lt. Weiler in building 150 or ext. 5031.
2013.
• The Chaplain’s Office will be collecting donations
of 550 Cord from now until further notice. Any
Soldiers interested in making donations can stop by
building 150 between 0900-1600.
Quotations to live by...
• Nothing can stop a man with the right mental attitude
from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the
man with the wrong mental attitude. -Thomas Jefferson
• The greatest results in life are usually attained by simple
ARTA, Djibouti - (Above) Staff Sgt. Rodney Trussell fires a 155mm cannon at
a live fire exercise with the 93e regiment d’artillerie de montagne of Grenoble, means and the exercise of ordinary qualities. These may
France on Jan. 27, 2013. (Below) Task Force Longrfles Soldiers watch as a French for the most part be summed in these two: common-
artillery crew demonstrates a live fire with the 155mm CAESAR cannon. sense and perseverence. -Owen Feltham
• Failures to heroic minds are the stepping stones to
success. -Thomas Chandler Haliburton
Chaplain Reflections
I have learned that life is a like a trek
across a mountain range, full of highs and
lows, challenges and successes. One day
Photo of the Week you are faced with the challenge of
climbing the mountain, and the next you
are resting peacefully in the valley. The
thing is, you can’t say you have climbed a
mountain when you reach the top, you still have to make it
back to the base.
If you look at this deployment as one of those mountains
you are climbing, you have made it to the halfway point or
the summit. This is a good place to pause and look around,
take in the sights and do some reflecting. Where are you
Financially? How is your marriage, or the relationship with
your children? Are you where you want to be?
I have learned while the climb can be difficult, the descent
is full of another set of challenges. It is important to keep
your footing and your goal in sight. As we start our descent,
dealing with those homecoming issues starts to come
into focus, and everyday brings us one step closer to this
CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti - Newly promoted Spc. Sean Hardiman recieves a hug from reunion. Start preparing now and stay the course.
his father, 1st Sgt. Robert Burns, on Feb. 2, 2013. Burns had the rare oppurtunity of pinning
his firstborn son while they both are serving in the same regiment, and currently deployed
to the Horn of Africa. (Photo by Sgt. Alexa Becerra, 2-138th PAO)
~Chaplain Mark Slaughter
Longrifles Weekly
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