1. LONGRIFLEs WEEKLY
A publication of the 2/138th FAR November 23, 2012
Volume 1, Issue 6
XO’s Corner A Thanksgiving Feast
Story by Capt. Daniel Van Horn
This deployment is a great time to work
toward a degree. On-line classes are available
now, and traditional face to face classes are
starting soon, criminal justice on 4 DEC and
college mathematics on 15 JAN. Federal
tuition assistance is available, and education
counselors are nearby at the Education Center behind Green
Bean. They will help you establish a GoArmyEd account,
convert Army experience into college credit, or plan a degree
program.
As a bonus, Shana Baldwin (824-4120), wife of our own SFC
Baldwin, works for Central Texas College here, and she is
already looking for classes that will transfer easily to Kentucky
colleges. If you are on shift during class times, talk to your DJIBOUTI - Soldiers from Task Force Longrifles enjoyed a great Thanksgiving dinner at
leaders. They might (notice the word “might”) be able to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. (Photo credit: Capt. Daniel Van Horn, 2-138th PAO)
adjust your work schedule.
CAMP LEMONNIER, DJIBOUTI – The holidays are a
I hear that the math teacher in January is AWESOME. Visit tough time to be away from family, friends, and loved ones.
the Ed Center. Give college a chance. Be nice, and Happy However, this Thanksgiving seemed a little less distant
Thanksgiving. thanks to the wonderful feast prepared for us by civilian
contractors and the Camp Lemonnier support staff. The
8,000 miles between us and home melted away as we sat
1SG Thoughts with our extended family of fellow servicemen and women.
First of all, I would like to wish a Happy It was quite the feast! Numerous meats, sides and desserts!
Thanksgiving to all our Soldiers and their The Thanksgiving decorations were fantastic, ranging from
families. Take this time to reflect on the autumn colored
things you are grateful for and to get in leaves to huge
touch with your families and friends back ginger bread
home. homes, and even
To all Non-commissioned officers, I would like to emphasis the staff dressed
one key part of the NCO Creed: “I am proud of the Corps up as Pilgrims
of Noncommissioned Officers and will at all times conduct and Native
myself so as to bring credit upon the Corps, the Military Americans.
Service and my country regardless of the situation in which I Keeping with
find myself.” This should serve as a reminder that your actions tradition, staff
on and off duty should be in accordance to this creed. Keep
officers from Task
in mind that as Soldiers on Title 10, we are never off duty. We DJIBOUTI - Gingerbread houses were part of the decorations
belong to the Army 100% of our time here. As NCO’s we are for Thanksgiving dinner. (Photo credit: Capt. Daniel Van Horn, Force Longrifles
also accountable for the actions of our Soldiers. 2-138th PAO) d o n n e d
their food service uniforms and dished out the amazing
On another note, make sure to check out the MWR Liberty smorgasbord to hungry Soldiers waiting in line.
schedule. Many of the excursions they offer are a once in a
lifetime experiences, swimming with whale sharks being one “Having Command Sgt. Maj. Chumley serve my dinner
example. Also, make sure to check out the sports, fitness and made it all the more special,” said Sgt. Josh Salley, a
recreation schedule. There is always something to do on this medic with Headquarters, Headquarters Battery (HHB)
camp, so make sure to get out and stay active!
CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 > > >

2. A THANKSGIVING CONTINUED FROM P. 1 > > >
2-138th Field Artillery. He continued ‘we always
MWR Schedule
• Nov. 24 - Whale Shark & Reef Diving 0730-1830 (See
have pumpkin pie and coffee at my parents during MWR Calender for prices)
Thanksgiving, and it was nice to be able to enjoy that here.’ • Nov. 25 - Whale Shark & Reef Diving 0730-1830 (See
Task Force Longrifles commander, Lt. Col Robert Larkin, MWR Calender for prices)/Pool, Spa w/Lunch at The Lac
commented on serving his troops, “The Soldiers in this task Assal Restaurant, Kempinsk i Hotel 0900-1800 Cost: E1-
force work so hard to represent me and Command Sgt. Maj. E6 $57, E7 & Above $66/Moucha Island 0730-1700 Cost:
Gividen with such distinction every day, that serving them E1-E6 $29, E7 & Above $34
dinner is not something I have to do, it’s something that I am • Nov. 27 - Kokeb Ethiopian Dinner, Dance Show & Coffee
honored to do.” Ceremony 1830-2230 Cost $30
This Thanksgiving, being away from family and • Nov. 28 - French Market Shopping & Dinner at La Pergo-
friends, will ever serve as a reminder not just to la 1700-2130 Cost $30
enjoy each holiday to the fullest but each day to • Nov. 29 - Wildlife Preservation 1600-1800 Cost $8
the fullest when we are reunited with our families.
Soldier to Soldier
• Any Soldier interested in participating in a shout out
for an episode of ‘Hooah HOA’ should stop by the
Public Affairs office located in building 150, Monday
through Friday from 1300-1600.
POC is Capt. Van Horn ext. 4807
• Fitness & Sports event sign-up sheets are posted one
week prior to the event at the MWR Fitness Center
DJIBOUTI - A roast pig we one of the many entrees to choose from for the
Chaplain Reflections
Thanksgiving feast. (Photo credit: Staff Sgt. Steve Tressler, 2-138th PAO) “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this
is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Promotions & Awards 1Thessalonians5:18
• Pfc. Alexander Thorburn advanced to the rank of Spc. Thanksgiving is here, and I love the holiday.
In my experience, I have learned that a spirit
• Pfc. Tiffany Dirolf advanced to the rank of Spc.
of appreciation and thanksgiving will change
• Pfc. Brach Mason advanced to the rank of Spc. your outlook on life. That being said, I understand being
thankful can be challenging in difficult times. Today many of
• Spc. Jeremy Wieger promoted to the rank of Sgt. us face challenges related to finances, health, or relationships.
• Spc. Scotty Scruggs promoted to the rank of Sgt. But it is when we find ourselves in challenging circumstances
that thankfulness is especially helpful.
• Sgt. Stephanie Murley promoted to the rank of Staff Sgt. I have found that an attitude of gratitude will always lift your
spirits. If you are feeling down, find something to be grateful
• Sgt. Gregory Farmer promoted to the rank of Staff Sgt. for. Locating those small things that bring you joy even in the
• Sgt. Lafferty promoted to the rank of Staff Sgt. face of those challenges can make a positive impact on your
outlook.
• Sgt. Paul Muccigrosso promoted to the rank of Staff Sgt. Don’t just internalize your appreciation; tell a friend or loved
one about something or someone you are grateful to have in
• Maj. Elliott Elliott promoted to the rank of Lt. Col.
your life. I promise you that you will find yourself smiling by
• Sgt. Kenneth Koch awarded the Army Achievement the end of that story.
Medal Finally help yourself by helping others. The holidays are
a great time to reach out to people in need. Helping others
• Sgt. James Patrick awarded the Military Outsanding address their needs is one of the best ways to relieve your own
Volunteer Service Medal anxiety.
• Maj. Michael Benton awarded the Military Outsanding Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and may God bless you all.
Volunteer Service Medal Longrifles Weekly
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