Brian and the Little Guy

U.S. Soldiers Renovate Clinic for Djibouti Villagers

Cooperation between the government of Djibouti and the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa has resulted in a refurbished facility that will help improve health care opportunities for the local community. This clinic is more than mortar and paint; it represents the relationship between the United States and Djibouti. We are partners for peace, prosperity, security and a better way of life. -U.S. Army Col. William Porter. Quality medical care equals longer life for you and your children, he said. Healthy children and citizens are vital to the future prosperity of your community.

Working together, the joint task force and local contractors and laborers constructed a maternity ward, waiting rooms and a storage facility at the Mouloud Clinic. Taking care of this clinic and preserving it is a big responsibility, Porter said. We honor the community, doctors, nurses and staff with this task.

The Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa includes Colonel Porter's Army unit and Brian Weiss's Marine unit. Here is the latest from Brian.

So we hit the hottest day yet… 117 in the shade and 138 in the sun. The heat isn’t all that bad because the wind has shifted from off the desert now. The desert air is hotter but much drier. I still haven’t figured out why we have hot water valves here?? We have some good training days coming up soon including demolition!

I attach a picture of myself at the orphanage. The little guy and I are trying to give our tough look for the camera, but I think he is better at it than I am. We have been trying to get to the orphanage a couple of times a week but we have all been restricted to base for a little while as there has been a small outbreak of bird flu in town.

The C.D.C. and W.H.O. are here trying to help the infected people and also get samples of blood for analysis to help find a cure before it hits our shores. Two days last week the blood samples have come through my post; the military docs sure laugh at us Marines as we kind of rush them and their deadly little germs through our post. We remind them we will take care of the large threats… i.e terrorists, and they can handle the bugs.

The Djiboutian military has been killing off poultry in town and the towns-people are not happy. Most are poor and live off 1200 bucks or so a year, and chickens are an important source of food and money. The PSC (Provisional Security Company) has been working on a number of projects since we have gotten here. We are painting an entire school and then setting up the students with all new school supplies. My command is trying to keep it organized; when they determine the needs for the school, I will put out another email that has the wish list. We built a soccer field on a dirt lot in town, including goals with nets, chalked sidelines, and a running trail along the outside.

All in all everything is good with me, updates to follow. We are always taking donations for the orphanage, newborns through toddlers. Also there is a young boys and girls orphanage so any kids items including toys ect are welcomed.

Thanks so much for what you all have sent!

Brian

LCPL Weiss, BC
4th PSC 5th Section
OEF
APO AE 09363