LONGRIFLEs WEEKLYA publication of the 2/138th FAR

Believe it or not, one of the most difficult tasks in a deployment is returning home. As we near this juncture, it is important to return ready and prepared to meet a new set of challenges. Speaking from experience, one of the

most challenging hurdles is family reintegration. Because our mission has kept us occupied and secluded from the ‘real world,’ it can seem overwhelming to go home to an environment that is different from how we left it. There is a certain novelty that will quickly wear off, leaving many families in turmoil as they begin the process of being involved in family decisions once again. I am currently working with my Family Readiness Group Leader to ensure we have a program in place to help individuals and families in this particular reintegration process. There are numerous Soldiers in the battalion who have been through this and most would be happy to offer guidance and advice, and my door is always open. It is my goal to make this transition a positive experience. Thanks to all. ~ Capt. Vincent Barber

CPT’s Corner

In less than two months the Soldiers of the 2-138th FAR will be arriving back home to their families mostly in Kentucky. This is a bitter-sweet occasion for most of us as we’ve met some new friends, and apart from social media, we will probably not see

or hear from again. For some, the process or reintegrating with our families starts now. This should be the time for us to begin thinking about rekindling relationships with our loved ones and friends we have missed so much. Use your leadership to assist you in finding jobs and bridging the deployment gaps with our folks at home. On the other side of the redeployment coin is the notion of leaving behind great and lasting friendships that we all have forged in Africa. I encourage everybody to use social media to remain connected to our new found family members in the Horn of Africa. Take every opportunity to formally say “Goodbye”. Burn no bridges in the process. You never know when you might cross paths again.In the meantime, let’s get home safely and without incident. Til we get to the other side. ~ 1st Sgt. Richard Burns

1SG Thoughts

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From Oldest Brother to Youngest Soldier

Story by Sgt. Alexa Becerra, 2-138th FAR PAO

May 10th, 2013Volume 1, Issue 28

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti - At the age of 17, teenag-ers face many challenges. They are close to graduating high school, they are looking at potential colleges, and are also about to hit the magic age of 18 when they are considered adults.

That wasn’t the case for Pfc. Michael Sweeney.

Sweeney, a Burlington, Ky. native, at age 17, had already en-listed in the Kentucky National Guard. He had recently grad-uated with his GED from Bluegrass Challenge Academy, a school run by the National Guard designed to train and men-tor selected at-risk youth to become contributing members of society.

“I had always wanted to be in the military because of my fa-ther who is a Desert Storm veteran and my role model,” said Sweeney. “Civilian school just wasn’t for me.”

After receiving his GED, Sweeney set off for Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training to become a Cannon Crewmember (13B) in the National Guard. He returned to Kentucky in April of 2012, and shortly after arriving to his new unit he received news about their upcoming deployment.

“I expected to deploy when I joined the Guard, but I definitely wasn’t expecting it to be so soon, “said Sweeney.

Pfc. Michael Sweeeney currently serves with A-Btry, 2-138th Field Artillery in the Horn of Africa with Task Force Longrifles.

Longrifles WeeklyPage 2

Chaplain ReflectionsWhen faced with a difficult or embarrassing question, we should remember as American Soldiers that deception should never be an option. The Army Values of Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage, hinge on our internal moral compass. This is also reflected in the Scriptures.

In the book of Isaiah 53:9 it is written that, “He had done nothing wrong, and he had never lied.” It is important because He is a man of character, His every sentence true. No cheating on tests. No altering the accounts. Not once did Jesus stretch the truth. He simply told the truth. No deceit was found in His mouth. And if God has His way with us, none will be found in ours. He longs for us to be just like Jesus.Proverbs 12:22 says, “The Lord hates those who tell lies but is pleased with those who keep their promises.” Why the hard line? Why the tough stance? One reason is that dishonesty is absolutely contrary to the character of God. God always speaks truth. When He makes a covenant, He keeps it. When He proclaims the truth, we can believe it! There are times when it is difficult to maintain honesty but as leaders, it is imperative. In order to live by the Army Values we must depend on our moral compass, and if it is broken we need to fix it.

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Soldier to Soldier • Soldiers, do not forget to visit http://

operationhiredjibouti.com/ This website is designed to help Kentucky Guard Soldiers find jobs upon returning from deployment.

His case was a bit different than others; he was still 17 years old. He would turn 18 only a few days before the deployment.

“My squad leader sat me down and talked to me about the deployment,” said Sweeney. “He asked me if I was still willing to go, and when I said yes he let me know that if I had any questions I could ask him or any of the other Soldiers since most of them had deployed before.”

From that day on, Sweeney became the ‘Baby of the Battery’ and the ‘Baby of the Battalion’. He is the youngest of more than 500 Soldiers deployed here to the Horn of Africa in sup-port of Operation Enduring Freedom.

“It has been different being the youngest,” said Sweeney. “At home I was the oldest out of four, and now I am the youngest in the battalion.”

He said that his fellow Soldiers have been great mentors to him and they are always willing to give him advice or answer his questions.

“The guys here have all taken me under their wing, and have helped me become a better Soldier and hopefully a better per-son,” said Sweeney.

Sweeney said he has had many opportunities to learn about different cultures by volunteering in the local community and from participating in a well-drilling mission in Ethiopia.

“This deployment has made me truly appreciate what I have back home, people here don’t have much but they make the most of it,” said Sweeney.

Sweeney has decided to attend Diesel Mechanic School upon his return home, and plans to stay at least 20 years in the Guard.

“This deployment has been overall a great learning experi-ence for me, and I have made lifelong friends and mentors,” said Sweeney.

Photo of the Week!

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti - Soldiers from Task Force Longrifles participate in a range reconassaince with Navy and Air Force personnel in preparation for an upcoming training exercise to validate our replacements. Photo credit: Maj. Michael Woodson, 2-138th FAR

Quotations to live by... • “The quickest way to double your money is to fold it

over and put it back in your pocket.” -Will Rogers• “Even if you are on the right track you’ll get run

over if you just sit there.” -Will Rogers• “Be more concerned with with your character than

with your reputation. Your character is what you really are while your reputation is merely what others think you are.” -Dale Carnegie