The document discusses the deployment of the 2/138th FAR to the Horn of Africa, including their security mission, working conditions, and activities during free time. It also profiles Pfc. James Kubisch, who received a nomination to attend a preparatory school for the US Military Academy, and his goal of becoming an Army pilot. The newsletter section provides additional information on volunteer opportunities, promotions, and reflections from the chaplain.

1. LONGRIFLEs WEEKLY
A publication of the 2/138th FAR February 1, 2013
Volume 1, Issue 15
Commander’s Corner Kentucky Guard Soldier
This question comes up a lot. “What do
you really do over there? We only see you
hoping to go from PFC to
in civilian clothes or the beach.” The answer
to the question is, “We do a whole lot of
Pilot!”
Story and photos by Sgt. Alexa Becerra, 2-138th PAO
different stuff.” The primary mission here Pfc. James Kubisch
is security. We guard Camp Lemonnier and
is a member of the
several other places. The work is hot, long and mostly boring
2-138th Field Artillery
but very necessary. We cannot take pictures of the places
we work for security reasons (OPSEC). The overwhelming Regiment’s Task Force
majority of our Soldiers work an average of 55 hours per week, Longrifles which is
some work more, very few work less, and that is not often. currently deployed to the
Horn of Africa. Kubisch,
When we leave camp we usually have to wear civilian clothes. a 20 year-old Fort Dix,
This does two things: it lowers our profile identifying us N.J., native, has a great
as Americans, and if we had on uniforms all the time the opportunity waiting for
Djiboutians might get the perception that they were being
him when he returns
militarily invaded. Good foreign relations and personal
home.
security are two of the most important considerations here.
We do have free time, and to break the monotony many Kubisch received a
Soldiers go to the beach or to a local hotel pool. This does two Congressional Nomination from Kentucky Congressman
things. It allows us to be free of camp for a short time, and it Brett Guthrie to attend the US Military Academy
is a safe pastime. Preparatory School. The purpose of this school is to prepare
Valentine’s Day is coming up; I will be reminding everyone selected candidates for the academic, physical, and military
here to keep in touch with their spouses, loved ones, and challenges of the United States Military Academy at West
significant others! Keep up the good work and be safe! Point.
~Lt. Col. Rob Larkin
“I will be one step closer to accomplishing one of my life
goals, which is to attend West Point and become an officer,”
CSM Thoughts said Kubisch.
We are nearing the halfway point now in “I’m very grateful to my command for helping me out
just a few days. Although the exact dates through this process, especially Capt. Aaron Vansickle and
to return home have not been officially set, West Point Alum Lt. Col. Elliott Elliott,” said Kubisch.
it looks to be somewhere near the end of
June. His interest in the military started at a very young age. His
With that said, there is no need to look too father has served in the Army for the last 20 years, and is
far down the calendar yet. We have plenty of work remaining currently a pilot stationed at Fort Dix.
here before we can even think about the mission being
complete. “When I was in high school I knew I wanted to become an
officer in the Army, so I joined the JROTC (Junior Reserve
Continue to focus on the mission here and recharge yourself Officer Training Corps) program,” said Kubisch.
for the second half! On a side note, let me say how proud I am
of each and every one of our Soldiers for maintaining their Kubisch graduated from John Hardin High School in
professionalism and bearing with our VIPs visiting from Elizabethtown, Ky. and then attended the University of
Kentucky this week. Louisville, where he continued his goal of becoming a
We know what a great job you do every day, but it was military officer by joining the Reserve Officer Training
especially nice to show our guests how hard you’ve been Corps (ROTC).
working. Keep up the great work and take care of your battle
buddy! He participated in that program for about a year and a half
~Command Sgt. Maj. Timothy Gividen CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 > > >

2. Kentucky Guard Soldier CONTINUED FROM P. 1 > > >
and then joined the Kentucky Army National Guard for the
Soldier to Soldier
education benefits, and to gain experience as an enlisted • Any Soldier interested in participating in a shout-
Soldier before moving on and hopefully receiving his out should stop by the Public Affairs office located
commission. in building 150, Monday through Friday from 1300-
1600. POC is Capt. Van Horn, ext. 4807.
“I believe that the experience of being an enlisted Soldier
will help me out in my career as an officer. I will never forget • Any Soldier interested in volunteering for Troops
where I started. I will understand the value of the knowledge and Teachers on Tuesdays and Thursdays, contact
and experience that my Non-Commissioned Officers will 1st Lt. Weiler in building 150 or ext. 5031.
bring to the table,” said Kubisch.
• The Chaplain’s Office will be collecting donations
Kubisch said he has enjoyed his time as a Field Artillery of 550 Cord from now until further notice. Any
Cannon Crewmember, and has learned a lot during his Soldiers interested in making donations can stop by
current deployment here in Africa. “I want to succeed at
West Point, commission as a 2nd Lt. and become a pilot,” building 150 between 0900-1600.
said Kubisch. “I feel honored to even have a chance at this
opportunity.” Promotions and Awards
For now though, he wants to complete his mission here and • Jonathan Mandrillo advanced to SPC
then get ready to begin a new chapter in his life; as a cadet • Brandon Zamora advanced to SPC
at West Point. • Parker Brown advanced to SPC
• James Pickerill advanced to SPC
Photo of the Week • Antonio Jackson advanced to SPC
• Matthew Hancock advanced to SPC
• Christopher Sendelbach advanced to SPC
~More names will be announced in next week’s newsletter
Chaplain Reflections
I grew up fishing for crappie on Lake
Cumberland in South-Central Kentucky.
I will admit, while in Africa, my mind has
turned to the cool mornings and late
evenings that I have spent on that lake.
As much as I love the land and the place, I
have come to realize my home is more
than a geographical fact.
My country is a place full of hope. It is a hope that I can
CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti - State Command Sgt. Maj. Gregory Armstrong, Col. carry to Africa. This hope reminds me that we have the
Brian Wertzler, and Spc. James Osbourne share a laugh as they talk about the number of
Osbournes there are in the 2-138th Field Artillery Regiment on Jan. 31, 2013. Osbourne has
freedom to dream for a future that is different from our
a brother and two cousins are currently deployed here in the Horn Africa. (Photo by Sgt. past. I can change my stars if I so desire.
Alexa Becerra, 2-138th FAR PAO)
My country is a place of trust. “In God we Trust” is a
Dates to Remember this Month an unseen national resource. For in God, I can find the
strength to be a man of character – to be someone that
• 2 Feb - Groundhog Day: Punxsatawney Phil emerges
others can trust in. I can practice this national virtue even
from his burrow to see his shadow - if he does, there
in Africa because I have a confidence in God to be my
will be 6 more weeks of winter
source of strength.
• 3 Feb - Superbowl Ravens vs 49ers
• 12 Feb - Mardi Gras: Last feast before lent Thomas Jefferson said, “My God! How little do my
• 14 Feb - Valentine’s Day: Festival of love since the 15th countrymen know what precious blessings they are in
century possession of, and which no other people on earth enjoy!”
• 18 Feb - President’s Day: Birth of both Washington and I have learned that those possessions are with me wherever
Lincoln celebrated I go.
• 22 Feb - US acquired the Florida territory from Spain ~Chaplain Mark East
Longrifles Weekly
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