LONGRIFLEs WEEKLYA publication of the 2/138th FAR

The holidays are upon us. We just celebrated Thanksgiving, and just around the bend are Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa. I bring up the holidays to remind us to make healthy choices. As Warriors, it’s expected we meet physical standards, which is why it’s

vital to have a regular physical training regimen. I encourage every Soldier to have a personal goal of not just meeting, but exceeding the standards. Make a commitment to yourself! You’ll feel great and be ready for whatever comes your way.

It’s also important that you invest in yourself while you’re here. Use your Federal Tuition Assistance and make some progress toward a degree. The jobs you do are demanding and some have odd hours, but in the end your hard work will pay off. Instead of counting the days, make your days count.

Don’t forget that we are guests here. We need to be good ambassadors in this corner of the world. We should learn and respect the culture to build trust and confidence in our presence here. Remember, we have to foster enduring relationships with our East African Militaries to build long-term stability. It’s a tall order I’m sure we will achieve as long as we stay focused. Longrifles!

DJIBOUTI - Being born in Fleming County, the covered bridge capital of Kentucky isn’t a natural hub for those wanting to speak a foreign language. So how is it that Fleming County native Sgt. Bobby King speaks fluent Japanese?

After all, the Asian population is less than one-half of one percent county-wide in Fleming. King, the father to 5 children, and a self-described ‘wildman’ in his youth, was born and raised in Fleming County and says he learned the language out of utter boredom while stationed in Okinawa as a US Marine in the 1980’s.

King started his military career in 1981 with the US Army. After three years of reserve service he decided he wanted join the active duty, but the Army said they didn’t have a spot for him. The Marine Corps however was happy to oblige and gave him a spot on active duty, with one catch...he would be stationed in Japan.

It’s served him well ever since.

Because it was that time in the Marine Corps from 1984-1992 that his utter boredom set in and his love of his new surroundings captured his imagination. So much so, that he learned to speak the language of the natives.

After serving honorably in the Marine Corps for eight years he decided to leave active duty, but not Japan, where he stayed on as an English teacher from 1992-1998.

“Sadly there’s a lot of Japanese kids that speak English like hillbilly’s all over Japan right now,”(As a result of his own accent) King said with a laugh.

After his six years of teaching English he decided to head back home to the bluegrass state where

CPT’s Corner

I would like to start out by wishing all the brave and courageous Soldiers of Task Force Longrifles and their families a safe and happy holidays. The holidays are a time to gather in unity and be grateful for what we have here, and back home. Make

sure to stay in contact with your loved ones. To the families back home, rest assured that your Soldiers are safe here.

Speaking of safety, I would like to say to all Soldiers and especially Non-Commissioned Officers that the most efficient way to stay safe is, don’t just lookout for yourself. Make the effort to look after your buddies and subordinates as well. If everyone is doing this, safety becomes second nature and everyone gets the double up effect on being safe. We also keep our military family healthy, safe and unscathed.

In closing, there are multiple ways to develop, maintain and achieve healthy habits here. Numerous intramural sports and activities are available throughout the month. The events are posted in all 2/138th buildings and at all MWR facilities. Stay alert, stay safe, and stay alive. “Sweat Saves Blood.”

1SG Thoughts

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A Japanese Sounding, Kentucky King

Story and Photos by Staff. Sgt. Steve Tressler, 2/138th PAO

November 30, 2012Volume 1, Issue 7

Longrifles WeeklyPage 2

he took a job in Flemingsburg with Toyo Seat, a Japanese company, and a tier 3 supplier to Toyota.

That job lasted several years and he eventually reached a point where he was ready to be his own boss, which is why he makes his living as a personal trainer today.

The most fun he has with the language is when in the company of those who speak it assume no one around understands. It’s then that he’ll speak up in fluent Japanese and look at their astonished faces, with a little chuckle to himself.

King had just finished several days here in Djibouti teaching Japanese Soldiers about IED’s, in their native tongue. Needless to say, it was the Soldiers of the Kentucky National Guard that got to chuckle to themselves when all our active duty counterparts were looking in astonishment as one of these good ’ol Kentucky Guardsmen started teaching a class on IED’s...in Japanese.

Chaplain Reflections

Thanksgiving Day marks the beginning of 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 teaching you about family through this “Season” of being apart. As you seek answers from your Faith, you will find strength, help, and hope.

A JAPANESE SOUNDING CONTINUED FROM P. 1 > > > MWR Schedule• Dec. 1 - Whale Shark & Reef Diving 0730-1830 (See

MWR Calender for prices)• Dec. 2 - Whale Shark & Reef Diving 0730-1830 (See

MWR Calender for prices)/Pool, Spa w/Lunch at The Lac Assal Restaurant, Kempinski Hotel 0900-1800 Cost: E1-E6 $57, E7 & Above $66

• Dec. 3 - Wildlife Preservation 1600-1800 Cost $8• Dec. 5 - Dinner at Cultures Restaurant and Sheraton trip

1830 - 2300 Cost: E1-E6 $27, E7 & Above $31• Dec. 7 - Pizzaiolo Pizza Buffet and Night Swim 1800-

2200 Cost $30

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

• 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

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

Photo of the Week

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti - Staff Sgt. Gregory Farmer aids Pfc. Michael Miles, both Soldiers of A Battery, 2/138th Field Artillery Regiment, during Close Quarters Marksmanship (CQM) training at a shooting range in Djibouti, Africa. (Photo by 1st Lt. Mike Lowry, KYARNG UPAHR)

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti -Japanese Soldiers stand and bow to their instructor, Sgt. Bobby King, before their Improvised Explosive Device (IED) class begins. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Steve Tressler, 2-138th PAO)