Photo By Master Sgt. Jennifer Redente | Ethiopian Air Force Lt. Col. Wayesa D. Dinka stands outside Building 111 on Camp...... read more read more
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By Staff Sgt. Jennifer Redente
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa
CAMP LEMONIER, Djibouti – Shades of brown, tan, green and blue, are not only seen in the austere terrain of Camp Lemonier, but the colors are also visible on the uniforms individuals wear while supporting the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa mission.
Out of the 1,900 servicemembers supporting the CJTF-HOA mission of preventing conflict, promoting regional stability and protecting coalition interests in order to prevail against extremism, Ethiopia represents one of 12 countries, which make up CJTF-HOA's coalition forces by providing two officers from Ethiopia's military forces for a 12-month period.
Before arriving in May, Ethiopian air force Lt. Col. Wayesa D. Dinka was a ground air defense officer. While assigned to CJTF-HOA, he assists servicemembers in Strategic Communications as a liaison officer to his home country by assisting with country clearances, visas and answering questions pertaining to Ethiopia.
"Being a part of CJTF-HOA is a very enjoyable experience, and I am happy to be able to serve with such professionals," said Dinka, a member of the Oroomo tribe.
Representing Ethiopia with Dinka, is fellow Ethiopian army Maj. Abdu E. Hamza who provides support to CJTF-HOA Operations personnel as a liaison officer.
"The mission is very important here," said Hamza. "It gives me a great feeling of accomplishment by serving my country. By doing so, it helps the people of Ethiopia, as well as other nations in the Horn of Africa."
Through the assistance of liaison officers like Dinka and Hamza, CJTF-HOA has assisted Ethiopians with various projects to include building schools and medical clinics, as well as drilling wells.
"The CJTF-HOA Engineer Shop has about 14 projects in Ethiopia," said Navy Cmdr. Laurence J. Readal, CJTF-HOA Operations engineer. "We coordinate our efforts, especially project dedication ceremonies with our coalition officers."
Although Readal has worked in an environment of coalition forces before, this was the first time where the commander had a significantly important role working with coalition forces.
"I have worked with coalition officers before, but this is the most substantial level of engagement I have had," said Readal. "One thing that is different from my previous experiences is the time frame. Being a part of CJTF-HOA provides the opportunity to work with a group of coalition officers for nearly a year, which is much different than during exercises for a few weeks. The level of involvement is much more robust."
Working with the coalition forces for several months has given Readal the opportunity to get to know the coalition servicemembers much better.
"Both Maj. Hamza and Lt. Col. Dinka are great to work with," said Readal. "They are professionals who add significant value to CJTF-HOA. They really seem to enjoy what they do, and I enjoy working and talking with them."
The contributions made by Ethiopian officers are seen by all levels of the CJTF-HOA chain of command including the CJTF-HOA deputy commander.
"Our Ethiopian partners - particularly, the servicemembers who serve as liaison officers at CJTF-HOA - are valuable assets to CJTF-HOA's overall mission," said Army Brig. Gen. Sanford E. Holman, CJTF-HOA's deputy commander. "Without their [Ethiopia's] contributions and interaction with the Ethiopian government, our Seabees wouldn't have been able to complete the many and 'never-ending' projects, which, in our view, have provided better education and medical services to the people -- and the future -- of Ethiopia."
An example of the assistance was conservative planning on the part of Dinka.
"One of our significant issues was that the main route to a project had a bridge of questionable strength," said Readal. "We engaged our Ethiopian coalition officers, and sent Lt. Col. Dinka to Charichcho to assist the on-site team in searching out alternate retrograde routes. His knowledge and experience were extremely valuable in developing the correct solution."
While the Ethiopian officers are scheduled to depart in less than four months, the projects they've assisted on will leave a lasting impression on the countless lives.
Coalition forces assist U.S. military forces in a variety of ways to ensure the missions are completed – from ground breakings to dedications. Through the efforts of the combined environment, Africans on the eastern region gained access to more than 70 new and repaired schools, medical facilities, slaughter houses and wells for fiscal year 2007. Additionally, Africans were assisted through medical civic action programs and animals have been treated though veterinarian civic action programs.
| Date Taken: | 02.05.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 02.05.2008 09:32 |
| Story ID: | 16054 |
| Location: | CAMP LEMONNIER, DJ |
| Web Views: | 310 |
| Downloads: | 236 |
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