LONGRIFLEs WEEKLYA publication of the 2/138th FAR

I keep a spreadsheet on my computer’s desktop that graphically depicts the percentage of our deployment that we have completed. As the New Year begins, we are essentially one-third of the way through our time in Africa. This is exciting news because

we are closer to returning home and seeing our loved ones than we were two months ago. However, one-third of our time here is no longer available for personal and professional growth. Hopefully you have already taken advantage of your time here to see the continent, to take a class, to learn to scuba dive, or to master the fine art of karaoke. Whatever your goals, the New Year is a good time to take stock of your progress. Congratulations to those who are on track to meet their goals. For everyone else, renew your commitment to yourself with a New Year’s resolution, and stick to it. Happy New Year! ~Lt. Col. Elliott Elliott

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti – People rarely realize how much impact a Department of Public Works has until they live in a country that doesn’t have one. Such is the case in Djibouti, Africa, where Soldiers from Task Force Longrifles, Camp Lemonnier staff, Romania, South Korea, Djibouti, and Japan partnered to do some cleaning of the main road which runs in front of Camp Lemonnier and several foreign military compounds. The idea originated with Lt. Col. Robert Larkin, Task Force Longrifles Battalion Commander, when he first visited Camp Lemonnier on the Pre-Deployment Site Survey (PDSS) in July of 2012. “Right away I noticed the trash lining the road and thought how easy it would be to hide an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) along this route. Cleaning it would add a higher level of security for Camp Lemonnier and be a great opportunity to partner with numerous countries that utilize the road,” said Larkin.The area was approximately one hundred meters wide by a quarter mile long and was littered with hundreds of empty plastic bottles, scrap metal, paper bags, and pieces of cardboard. As word spread around camp about the project more and more units began volunteering and it became clear that some major planning would be needed to coordinate all the moving parts. That job fell to Maj. Michael Woodson, Task Force Longrif les Plans and Military to Military Officer in Charge (OIC). Woodson contacted the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa Japanese liaison officer, Capt. Chrystopher Kim, who informed the Japanese Self Defense Force about the proposed plan. To his surprise the Japanese informed him that they had had a similar idea a few days before but

XO’s Corner

With the New Year upon us in just a few days, let’s get reinvigorated with our PT goals! You set a goal when you got here for what you wanted to look like when you got back, so how are you doing? If you still need some work, you’ve got the

time between now and when we head home so get going. If you haven’t set any goals yet then now is a good time, right? New Year’s resolutions can become solutions with little effort and a strong commitment.We are artillerymen and artillerywomen, so don’t forget that. We are widely spread out here with missions not just all over camp, and , but all over the continent. However, the bonds that bind us all are our titles as artillery warriors.With that in mind, keep up the good work and we’ll be back in Kentucky doing Redleg business again before you know it.Hooah and Happy New Year! ~CSM Timothy Gividen

CSM Thoughts

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A Combined EffortStory by Capt. Daniel Van Horn, 2-138th PAO

December 28, 2012Volume 1, Issue 11

DJIBOUTI - Military personnel from five countries smile after completing a road cleanup project outside Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti on Dec. 11th, 2012. (Photo by 1st Lt. Mike Lowry, 2-138th UPAHR)

Tip of the WeekWhen it comes to keeping New Years resolutions the first 30 days are key. Researchers have found that people who follow

through on their resolutions for 30 days are three times more likely to succeed in keeping them long term.

Longrifles WeeklyPage 2

would love to combine the ideas into one joint project. The Japanese agreed to coordinate approval and security with the embassy while Woodson resourced the equipment, coordinated unit volunteers, and conducted site reconnaissance. On the morning of Dec. 11th, 2012, the project began with volunteers from Camp Lemonnier starting at one end and all other volunteers starting at the other. By noon both groups linked up for a joint picture that showcased the camaraderie

and teamwork created by the event.A sense of a c c o m p l i s h m e n t was felt by all after seeing the results of the joint effort.

“The project seemed daunting at first but by the end of the day you could really see a difference!” W o o d s o n

commented looking back at the freshly cleaned area.All the volunteers who participated in the project said they look forward to working together again in the future.

Chaplain ReflectionsBe very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity (Ephesians 5:15-16, NIV).At year’s end we find ourselves reminiscing over 2012 and imagine what 2013 will bring. As one year comes to a close another springs open with possibility. This time of year is well-known for evaluation and goal setting. Both are important, although most of us do not self-assess and set goals unless we have to.Those of us in the Army are used to evaluation (i.e., OER, NCOER, AAR). For an easy self-assessment, I suggest using the AAR format. Ask yourself these questions:

1. What was planned for 2012?2. What actually occurred?3. What went well and why?4. What can be improved and how?

Notice the first three questions have to do with evaluation and the last question deals with goal setting. Once you set some goals, consider what German Field Marshall Helmuth von Moltke once said, “No plan survives first contact with the enemy.” Remember, self-improvement requires gumption to improvise, adapt and overcome – and patience. ~Chaplain Jay Padgett

*Task Force Longrifles would like to thank Chaplain Jay Padgett for providing this weeks Chaplains Reflections from Kentucky.

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DJIBOUTI - Task Force Longrifles Soldiers pick up garbage during the joint cleanup project on Dec. 11th, 2012. (Photo by Capt. Daniel Van Horn)

DJIBOUTI - Soldiers from Task Force Longrifles participate in a road cleanup project on Dec. 11th 2012. The road runs near several military compounds and is travelled often by Soldiers from numerous countries. (Photo by 1st Lt. Mike Lowry, 2-138th UPAHR)

Soldier to Soldier • Any Soldier interested in participating in a shout-

out should stop by the Public Affairs office located in building 150, Monday through Friday from 1300-1600. POC is Capt. Van Horn, ext. 4807.

• Any Soldier interested in volunteering for Troops and Teachers on Tuesdays and Thursday evenings, contact 1st Lt. Weiler in building 150 or ext. 5031

• Have a Happy New Year!

Photo of the Week

DJIBOUTI - Task Force Longrifles Soldiers Spc. John Haffley and 1st Lt. Logan Weiler smile with children from a local Catholic school after dropping off donated school supplies from Kentucky. (Photo by Capt. Daniel Van Horn, 2-138th PAO)