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, 2013Volume 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

Longrifles WeeklyPage 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

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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