LONGRIFLEs WEEKLYA publication of the 2/138th FAR

After participating in a very specific brief to the Kentucky TAG and the Brigade Commander, I noticed one piece of data that stood out. This data set depicts our involvement in practically every effort on both Camp Lemonnier and the HOA. There

are Longrifle personnel teaching college classes, involved with the Red Cross, teaching cross-fit, attending college, volunteering in every organization, and leading church services just to name a few. The battalion has improved in physical fitness and weight loss, as well as civil and military education. We do these things on top of our involvement in every facet of Camp operations, as well as conducting the force protection required so camp personnel can sleep at night. As we enter into the second half of this mission, I see these numbers growing even further as all Soldiers have shown a commitment to both unit and personal success. Thank you for your sacrifice and God Bless. Longrifles! ~Capt. Vincent Barber

DJIBOUTI - Soldiers from Task Force Longrifles participated in a 155mm CAESER cannon live fire exercise with the 93e regiment d’artillerie de montagne (93rd Artillery and Mountain Warfare Regiment) of Grenoble, France, in Arta, Djibouti, on Jan. 27, 2013.

The Kentucky Soldiers were able to become oriented with the French artillery piece, which is a bit different than the M109A6 Paladin which they are accustomed to. For instance, the Paladin is more independently mobile on ground, but the CAESER shoots faster and further than the former.

Within a matter of minutes, despite the language barrier, Staff Sgt. Kenneth Winninger was able to explain to the other American Soldiers present which fire commands and methods of fire the French were going to execute next, as well as the overall concept of the 155mm cannon.

“Ultimately, we speak the same language as far as artillery goes,” said Winninger. “This was my first time working with a foreign artillery unit, and it was really neat to paticipate in this live fire and understand each other through the basic concepts of artillery.”

CPT’s Corner

Let me first start by saying how proud I am to be a part of such an outstanding Command team. The soldiers of the 2/ 138th Field Artillery Regiment are among the best in representing the Army and Army National Guard.

We have been in country now since October, and as a 1st Sgt, I recognize that we are on the downhill slide toward the end of our mission in the Horn of Africa. Additionally, I realize some of the perils of that are beginning to creep in and disrupt the flow of operation through the “short-timers” attitude. I want simply to warn us against complacency and carelessness, as these ideals have no place in our current operating environment. I am charging all NCOs, as directed by the CSM, to be more vigilant and watchful. Respond more swiftly and with more tenacity to violations against uniform policy, camp alcohol/ drinking policy and customs & courtesies. At the same time I want to remind the lower enlisted that you are only designated “lower” by rank and position. The mark of a good leader is that he/ she is a good follower. Soldiers ought to be looking out for each other. Let’s straighten our backs and charge to the end with our eyes wide-open. Thank you HHB for allowing me to lead such an AWESOME group of soldiers. I look forward to our continued successes together. ~1st Sgt. Robert Burns

1SG Thoughts

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2/138th Soldiers Participate in 155mm Live Fire with French

ArtillerymenStory and photos by Sgt. Alexa Becerra, 2-138th PAO

February 8, 2013Volume 1, Issue 16

ARTA Djibouti - 1st Lt. Michael Melton fires a 155mm cannon at a live fire exercise with the 93e regiment d’artillerie de montagne of Grenoble, France on Jan. 27, 2013.

Longrifles WeeklyPage 2

Chaplain ReflectionsI have learned that life is a like a trek across a mountain range, full of highs and lows, challenges and successes. One day you are faced with the challenge of climbing the mountain, and the next you are resting peacefully in the valley. The thing is, you can’t say you have climbed a

mountain when you reach the top, you still have to make it back to the base. If you look at this deployment as one of those mountains you are climbing, you have made it to the halfway point or the summit. This is a good place to pause and look around, take in the sights and do some reflecting. Where are you Financially? How is your marriage, or the relationship with your children? Are you where you want to be? I have learned while the climb can be difficult, the descent is full of another set of challenges. It is important to keep your footing and your goal in sight. As we start our descent, dealing with those homecoming issues starts to come into focus, and everyday brings us one step closer to this reunion. Start preparing now and stay the course. ~Chaplain Mark Slaughter

2/138th SOLDIERS CONTINUED FROM P. 1 > > >

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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 Thursdays, contact 1st Lt. Weiler in building 150 or ext. 5031.

• The Chaplain’s Office will be collecting donations of 550 Cord from now until further notice. Any Soldiers interested in making donations can stop by building 150 between 0900-1600.

Photo of the Week

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti - Newly promoted Spc. Sean Hardiman recieves a hug from his father, 1st Sgt. Robert Burns, on Feb. 2, 2013. Burns had the rare oppurtunity of pinning his firstborn son while they both are serving in the same regiment, and currently deployed to the Horn of Africa. (Photo by Sgt. Alexa Becerra, 2-138th PAO)

ARTA, Djibouti - (Right) 2nd Lt. Doyle Stephens loads a round into the 155 mm CAESER cannon at a live fire exercise with the 93e regiment d’artillerie de mon-tagne of Grenoble, France, on Jan. 27th, 2013.

ARTA, Djibouti - (Above) Staff Sgt. Rodney Trussell fires a 155mm cannon at a live fire exercise with the 93e regiment d’artillerie de montagne of Grenoble, France on Jan. 27, 2013. (Below) Task Force Longrfles Soldiers watch as a French artillery crew demonstrates a live fire with the 155mm CAESAR cannon.

Quotations to live by...• Nothing can stop a man with the right mental attitude

from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude. -Thomas Jefferson

• The greatest results in life are usually attained by simple means and the exercise of ordinary qualities. These may

for the most part be summed in these two: common-sense and perseverence. -Owen Feltham

• Failures to heroic minds are the stepping stones to success. -Thomas Chandler Haliburton