tflr newsletter 23 nov2012

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

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Page 1: Tflr newsletter 23 nov2012

LONGRIFLEs WEEKLYA publication of the 2/138th FAR

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 leaders. They might (notice the word “might”) be able to adjust your work schedule.

I hear that the math teacher in January is AWESOME. Visit the Ed Center. Give college a chance. Be nice, and Happy Thanksgiving.

CAMP LEMONNIER, DJIBOUTI – The holidays are a tough time to be away from family, friends, and loved ones. However, this Thanksgiving seemed a little less distant 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 with our extended family of fellow servicemen and women.

It was quite the feast! Numerous meats, sides and desserts! The Thanksgiving decorations were fantastic, ranging from

autumn colored leaves to huge ginger bread homes, and even the staff dressed up as Pilgrims and Native A m e r i c a n s . Keeping with tradition, staff officers from Task Force Longrifles d o n n e d

their food service uniforms and dished out the amazing smorgasbord to hungry Soldiers waiting in line. “Having Command Sgt. Maj. Chumley serve my dinner made it all the more special,” said Sgt. Josh Salley, a medic with Headquarters, Headquarters Battery (HHB)

XO’s Corner

First of all, I would like to wish a Happy Thanksgiving to all our Soldiers and their families. Take this time to reflect on the things you are grateful for and to get in touch with your families and friends back

home.

To all Non-commissioned officers, I would like to emphasis one key part of the NCO Creed: “I am proud of the Corps of Noncommissioned Officers and will at all times conduct myself so as to bring credit upon the Corps, the Military Service and my country regardless of the situation in which I find myself.” This should serve as a reminder that your actions on and off duty should be in accordance to this creed. Keep in mind that as Soldiers on Title 10, we are never off duty. We belong to the Army 100% of our time here. As NCO’s we are also accountable for the actions of our Soldiers.

On another note, make sure to check out the MWR Liberty schedule. Many of the excursions they offer are a once in a lifetime experiences, swimming with whale sharks being one example. Also, make sure to check out the sports, fitness and recreation schedule. There is always something to do on this camp, so make sure to get out and stay active!

1SG Thoughts

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 > > >

A Thanksgiving Feast

DJIBOUTI - Gingerbread houses were part of the decorations for Thanksgiving dinner. (Photo credit: Capt. Daniel Van Horn, 2-138th PAO)

Story by Capt. Daniel Van Horn

November 23, 2012Volume 1, Issue 6

DJIBOUTI - Soldiers from Task Force Longrifles enjoyed a great Thanksgiving dinner at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. (Photo credit: Capt. Daniel Van Horn, 2-138th PAO)

Page 2: Tflr newsletter 23 nov2012

Longrifles WeeklyPage 2

2-138th Field Artillery. He continued ‘we always have pumpkin pie and coffee at my parents during Thanksgiving, and it was nice to be able to enjoy that here.’

Task Force Longrifles commander, Lt. Col Robert Larkin, commented on serving his troops, “The Soldiers in this task force work so hard to represent me and Command Sgt. Maj. Gividen with such distinction every day, that serving them dinner is not something I have to do, it’s something that I am honored to do.”

This Thanksgiving, being away from family and friends, will ever serve as a reminder not just to enjoy each holiday to the fullest but each day to the fullest when we are reunited with our families.

Chaplain Reflections“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1Thessalonians5:18Thanksgiving is here, and I love the holiday. In my experience, I have learned that a spirit of appreciation and thanksgiving will change

your outlook on life. That being said, I understand being thankful can be challenging in difficult times. Today many of us face challenges related to finances, health, or relationships. But it is when we find ourselves in challenging circumstances that thankfulness is especially helpful.I have found that an attitude of gratitude will always lift your spirits. If you are feeling down, find something to be grateful for. Locating those small things that bring you joy even in the face of those challenges can make a positive impact on your outlook. Don’t just internalize your appreciation; tell a friend or loved one about something or someone you are grateful to have in your life. I promise you that you will find yourself smiling by the end of that story. Finally help yourself by helping others. The holidays are a great time to reach out to people in need. Helping others address their needs is one of the best ways to relieve your own anxiety. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and may God bless you all.

A THANKSGIVING CONTINUED FROM P. 1 > > > MWR Schedule• Nov. 24 - Whale Shark & Reef Diving 0730-1830 (See

MWR Calender for prices)• Nov. 25 - Whale Shark & Reef Diving 0730-1830 (See

MWR Calender for prices)/Pool, Spa w/Lunch at The Lac Assal Restaurant, Kempinsk i Hotel 0900-1800 Cost: E1-E6 $57, E7 & Above $66/Moucha Island 0730-1700 Cost: E1-E6 $29, E7 & Above $34

• Nov. 27 - Kokeb Ethiopian Dinner, Dance Show & Coffee Ceremony 1830-2230 Cost $30

• Nov. 28 - French Market Shopping & Dinner at La Pergo-la 1700-2130 Cost $30

• Nov. 29 - Wildlife Preservation 1600-1800 Cost $8

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

Like us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/TaskForceLongrifles

Promotions & Awards• Pfc. Alexander Thorburn advanced to the rank of Spc.

• Pfc. Tiffany Dirolf advanced to the rank of Spc.

• Pfc. Brach Mason advanced to the rank of Spc.

• Spc. Jeremy Wieger promoted to the rank of Sgt.

• Spc. Scotty Scruggs promoted to the rank of Sgt.

• Sgt. Stephanie Murley promoted to the rank of Staff Sgt.

• Sgt. Gregory Farmer promoted to the rank of Staff Sgt.

• Sgt. Lafferty promoted to the rank of Staff Sgt.

• Sgt. Paul Muccigrosso promoted to the rank of Staff Sgt.

• Maj. Elliott Elliott promoted to the rank of Lt. Col.

• Sgt. Kenneth Koch awarded the Army Achievement Medal

• Sgt. James Patrick awarded the Military Outsanding Volunteer Service Medal

• Maj. Michael Benton awarded the Military Outsanding Volunteer Service Medal

DJIBOUTI - A roast pig we one of the many entrees to choose from for the Thanksgiving feast. (Photo credit: Staff Sgt. Steve Tressler, 2-138th PAO)