1. Able Nation Family Readiness Group Newsletter
Notes from the Commander
We have been on the ground now for a few weeks and are getting settled into Camp Lemonnier here in
Djibouti. Most of us hit the ground running in one way or the other – doing missions, assuming guard, or
getting our headquarters established in order to support the platoons working hard in the heat. To be sure it
is HOT here. We generally see temperatures in the range of 115 degrees, with it cooling off only somewhat
at night.
Able Company has been doing quite a bit on Camp Lemonnier and will soon begin training outside the
confines of the camp. This will be exciting for all of us as we get out to see new places and break the daily
routine of guard and such.
We are already missing everyone at home – it started as soon as we stepped foot on the plane, but we know we are in your
thoughts as much as every one of you are in ours. We look forward to your letters, your emails, and any opportunity to talk
to you – our families. Every day brings us closer to home.
Enjoy the next pages – glimpses of our experiences here in Africa that we offer to all of you.
Sincerely,
Able 6

2. Able Nation Family Readiness Group Newsletter
Headquarters Platoon in Djibouti
The Able Company headquarters platoon has been hard at work making the Company’s Tactical
Operational Center functional so that the Company Command group can maintain situational
awareness and make informed decisions about security operations on Camp Lemonnier.
The members of headquarters have been getting acclimated to the hot and humid climate of
Djibouti. When asked about the heat, SPC Hernandez said, “It’s like somebody turned on a blow
dryer while in a sauna.” However, the members of headquarters platoon have made every effort
stay hydrated and safe in the harsh Djiboutian desert.
As for other significant events for the headquarters platoon:
SFC Gilmore was recently promoted and moved from headquarters
to First platoon as their Platoon Sergeant, with SSG Tomshack, the
Company Fire Support NCO filling in as the headquarters Platoon
Sergeant.
The headquarters platoon is now assisting the company in preparing
for various training exercises, including training for members of
Able Company to earn the Expert Infantry Badge.
So far our soldiers are very pleased with the living conditions and chow
provided by Camp Lemonnier. There is also a special pride among Able
Company that is unmatched when compared to other units on post!

3. Able Nation Family Readiness Group Newsletter
First Platoon in Djibouti
Upon arrival at CLDJ, the first Platoon Juggernauts immediately hit the ground running.
From in processing, learning their new positions on Flight line security, moving into tents
and containerized living units and acclimating to the heat the boys have been running
nonstop. With the temperatures reaching upwards of 115 degrees they have been working
day and night to meet the security requirements for their job as well as finding time to
work out and communicate home.
The Juggernauts have been showing their great strength and resilience working long days,
getting minimal sleep and still performing and staying positive. These boys have been
doing great things for the our country and have represented themselves, Able nation and
the Dragon Battalion very well. With upcoming ranges, new missions and opportunities for great training the Juggernauts
stand "chomping at the bit", anxiously awaiting new challenges.
Morale in the Platoon is high. Each Soldier is excited to do what they have been training for since the day they joined.
As you move along throughout the ranks it is evident that the Juggernauts have something special. From their unmatched
work ethic to their drive for betterment of both themselves and their unit, the Juggernauts are forever getting stronger and
moving towards greatness day by day.

4. Able Nation Family Readiness Group Newsletter
Second Platoon in Djibouti
Upon arriving in Djibouti, the War Ravens hit the ground
running, executing our first mission in support of U.S. Naval
Operations before we could even unpack. We have since
conducted several port security missions in Djibouti to
facilitate the unloading, resupply, and refueling of vessels
transiting through the Gulf of Aden.
The vessel to the left, the USNS Patuxent (T-AO 201), is one
of the vessels that the War Ravens have been able to assist so
far. It is one of the many U.S. Navy and Military Sealift
Command ships in this area. This Fleet Replenishment Oiler
supports many tactical vessels in the region, allowing them to continue their missions without returning to port to resupply
for long periods of time. Without the security provided by the War Ravens, the Navy would have much more difficulty
continuing uninterrupted naval operations in this region.
We are fulfilling a very unique mission that has real world results and leaving a positive impact. Each War Raven has been
performing their duties with professionalism and a dutiful work ethic. The pace here is only going to be moving faster as
we begin to incorporate training along with our scheduled missions, but no matter what the War Ravens will continue to
personify the Army and Dragon Values.

5. Able Nation Family Readiness Group Newsletter
Third Platoon in Djibouti
The Blackjacks of Able Nation arrived in Djibouti,
Djibouti in late June. It was a cool 104 degrees upon
landing, but with only 80% humidity, we were lucky to
arrive in the “dry” season before the humidity returned.
After arriving on Camp Lemonnier, we quickly in-
processed and began orienting ourselves to the base.
Currently, we are living in tents, but hope to get into
more permanent living conditions soon.
As soon as we arrived and put our bags down, we began
assisting First Platoon with their mission. Although this
is the most important mission for this camp and therefore
the most scrutinized, Third Platoon has performed above
the standard. You should be proud of the countless hours
of hard work your Soldier is doing to ensure the safety of other American service members.
When your Soldier gets off his guard shift, he is able to watch movies, work out, go to the café for a cold drink, or play
video games with his friends. Of course with his time off, he always opts to try to call home before going straight to bed. If
you’re wondering how the food is, the dining facility (or “Galley” as they say on this Navy Base) serves a variety of pretty
tasty meals - and yes, there’s ice cream, pies, and cake!
We miss you all and look forward to hearing from you. If your Soldier is unable to call you, feel free to send letters. Any
correspondence is greatly appreciated. We look forward to seeing you all in December!

6. Able Nation Family Readiness Group Newsletter
Able Nation All Stars . . .
First Platoon’s Bradford and Fifield received battalion coins for
going above and beyond what was expected of them while on
security duty at the Camp Lemonnier Flight Line.
CONGRATULATIONS to SGT Justin Kimble and his wife Tiana on
the birth of their twins, Chael and Jensen! They were born Sunday
June 30, 2013 at 11:30 a.m. with Chael weighing in at 4lbs 14oz, and
Jensen weighing in at 5 lbs 3 oz. All are doing well and we wish them
a very happy life!
CONGRATULATIONS to SPC Carlos Sanchez Berrios, wife
Lynette, and son Max on the birth of their daughter/sister, Mia! She
was born Monday, July 1, 2013 at 8:00a.m. and weighed 7 lbs 2 oz.
SPC Sanchez can’t wait to return home to meet his daughter but
says Mom, brother, and sister are doing well and we wish them all
the best!