The document profiles Sergeant Bobby King, a Kentucky native who speaks fluent Japanese which he learned during his time stationed in Okinawa and Japan as a US Marine in the 1980s. It details his background and career, including currently working as a personal trainer in Kentucky after having lived and taught English in Japan for several years. The article also provides information on upcoming MWR and chapel events at the base in Djibouti.

1. LONGRIFLEs WEEKLY
A publication of the 2/138th FAR November 30, 2012
Volume 1, Issue 7
CPT’s Corner
The holidays are upon us. We just celebrated
A Japanese Sounding,
Thanksgiving, and just around the bend
are Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa. I Kentucky King
bring up the holidays to remind us to make Story and Photos by Staff. Sgt. Steve Tressler, 2/138th PAO
healthy choices. As Warriors, it’s expected DJIBOUTI - Being born
we meet physical standards, which is why it’s in Fleming County, the
vital to have a regular physical training regimen. I encourage covered bridge capital of
every Soldier to have a personal goal of not just meeting, but Kentucky isn’t a natural
exceeding the standards. Make a commitment to yourself!
You’ll feel great and be ready for whatever comes your way. hub for those wanting
to speak a foreign
It’s also important that you invest in yourself while you’re language. So how is it
here. Use your Federal Tuition Assistance and make some that Fleming County
progress toward a degree. The jobs you do are demanding native Sgt. Bobby King
and some have odd hours, but in the end your hard work will speaks fluent Japanese?
pay off. Instead of counting the days, make your days count.
After all, the Asian population is less than one-half of
Don’t forget that we are guests here. We need to be good
ambassadors in this corner of the world. We should learn one percent county-wide in Fleming. King, the father
and respect the culture to build trust and confidence in to 5 children, and a self-described ‘wildman’ in his
our presence here. Remember, we have to foster enduring youth, was born and raised in Fleming County and says
relationships with our East African Militaries to build long- he learned the language out of utter boredom while
term stability. It’s a tall order I’m sure we will achieve as long stationed in Okinawa as a US Marine in the 1980’s.
as we stay focused. Longrifles!
King started his military career in 1981 with the US
Army. After three years of reserve service he decided
1SG Thoughts he wanted join the active duty, but the Army said they
I would like to start out by wishing all didn’t have a spot for him. The Marine Corps however
the brave and courageous Soldiers of Task was happy to oblige and gave him a spot on active
Force Longrifles and their families a safe duty, with one catch...he would be stationed in Japan.
and happy holidays. The holidays are a
time to gather in unity and be grateful for It’s served him well ever since.
what we have here, and back home. Make
Because it was that time in the Marine Corps from 1984-
sure to stay in contact with your loved ones. To the families
back home, rest assured that your Soldiers are safe here. 1992 that his utter boredom set in and his love of his
new surroundings captured his imagination. So much
Speaking of safety, I would like to say to all Soldiers and so, that he learned to speak the language of the natives.
especially Non-Commissioned Officers that the most efficient
way to stay safe is, don’t just lookout for yourself. Make the After serving honorably in the Marine Corps for eight
effort to look after your buddies and subordinates as well. years he decided to leave active duty, but not Japan,
If everyone is doing this, safety becomes second nature and where he stayed on as an English teacher from 1992-1998.
everyone gets the double up effect on being safe. We also keep
our military family healthy, safe and unscathed. “Sadly there’s a lot of Japanese kids that speak
English like hillbilly’s all over Japan right now,”(As
In closing, there are multiple ways to develop, maintain and a result of his own accent) King said with a laugh.
achieve healthy habits here. Numerous intramural sports and
activities are available throughout the month. The events are After his six years of teaching English he decided
posted in all 2/138th buildings and at all MWR facilities. Stay to head back home to the bluegrass state where
alert, stay safe, and stay alive. “Sweat Saves Blood.”
CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 > > >

2. A JAPANESE SOUNDING CONTINUED FROM P. 1 > > >
he took a job in Flemingsburg with Toyo Seat, a
MWR Schedule
Japanese company, and a tier 3 supplier to Toyota. • Dec. 1 - Whale Shark & Reef Diving 0730-1830 (See
MWR Calender for prices)
That job lasted several years and he eventually reached
• Dec. 2 - Whale Shark & Reef Diving 0730-1830 (See
a point where he was ready to be his own boss, which
MWR Calender for prices)/Pool, Spa w/Lunch at The Lac
is why he makes his living as a personal trainer today.
Assal Restaurant, Kempinski Hotel 0900-1800 Cost: E1-
The most fun he has with the language is when in the company E6 $57, E7 & Above $66
of those who speak it assume no one around understands. • Dec. 3 - Wildlife Preservation 1600-1800 Cost $8
It’s then that he’ll speak up in fluent Japanese and look
• Dec. 5 - Dinner at Cultures Restaurant and Sheraton trip
at their astonished faces, with a little chuckle to himself.
1830 - 2300 Cost: E1-E6 $27, E7 & Above $31
King had just finished several days here in Djibouti • Dec. 7 - Pizzaiolo Pizza Buffet and Night Swim 1800-
teaching Japanese Soldiers about IED’s, in their native 2200 Cost $30
tongue. Needless to say, it was the Soldiers of the Kentucky
National Guard that got to chuckle to themselves Soldier to Soldier
when all our active duty counterparts were looking • Any Soldier interested in participating in a shout-
in astonishment as one of these good ’ol Kentucky out for an episode of ‘Hooah HOA’ should stop by
Guardsmen started teaching a class on IED’s...in Japanese. the Public Affairs office located in building 150,
Monday through Friday from 1300-1600.
POC is Capt. Van Horn ext. 4807
• We are trying to reach 2,000 ‘Likes’ on Facebook by
Christmas, make sure to invite your families and
friends to ‘Like’ our page
• Don’t forget to contact your battery Admin NCO to
start your 96 hour pass process
• Soldiers who have pictures of training should send
them to their battery UPAHR for submission to PAO
CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti -Japanese Soldiers stand and bow to
their instructor, Sgt. Bobby King, before their Improvised Explosive Chaplain
Device (IED) class begins. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Steve Tressler, 2-138th
PAO)
Reflections
Thanksgiving Day marks the beginning of
Photo of the Week celebrations from now until New Years.
As we pass through these holidays there
will be an increased awareness that we are separated from
“home”. Our minds and hearts will turn to family and
traditions missed.
Our faith can sustain us and help us remain focused, even
while we miss home. A core belief in our faith is that God
orders our steps; God chose our Unit, the 2/138th FAR to
be in Djibouti, Africa, during Christmas and Hanukkah.
Not only does God have a plan for our unit, God has a
plan for each of us individually. Investigate and discover
why God sent you to Africa.
Remember there is even a Divine purpose for separation
from our family. Look for the life lesson that God is
CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti - Staff Sgt. Gregory Farmer aids Pfc. Michael Miles, teaching you about family through this “Season” of being
both Soldiers of A Battery, 2/138th Field Artillery Regiment, during Close Quarters apart. As you seek answers from your Faith, you will find
Marksmanship (CQM) training at a shooting range in Djibouti, Africa. (Photo by 1st Lt.
Mike Lowry, KYARNG UPAHR) strength, help, and hope.
Longrifles Weekly
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