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"It's something you would have to experience for yourself, but there are a lot of good people there." That's how U.S. Navy Master Chief Andrew Smith, described his four months spent in the austere Ogaden region of Ethiopia upon his recent return to camp here.

As the noncommissioned officer in charge, Smith oversaw the support for humanitarian missions staged from contingency operating location-Gode. The U.S. military presence in the region was recently scaled back at the request of the Ethiopian government due to concerns with the situation in Somalia.

While in Gode, Smith hired many locals suggested by village elders for tasks around the compound such as laundry, cooking and clean up. U.S. Army civil affairs teams employed other locals for work on humanitarian projects completed in the region. These included a new irrigation system, a new clinic in Kunka Village and two new school buildings in Badal Segal. The employment helped to boost the local economy and provided several people a much-needed source of income.

A local school administrator told Smith days before departing that school enrollment would drop when the U.S. military leaves.

"One of our laundry ladies had been paying for books and supplies not only for her children to attend school, but also for several other families," Smith said. The $30 she earned each week was more than enough to take care of her own family.

The team also helped the locals to help themselves. "We made a deal with the community that we would provide soccer balls and uniforms if they cleaned up the soccer field," Smith said. Both parties kept their end of the bargain. "They cleaned it up very nicely," he said.

Even after the civil affairs teams were restricted from conducting projects around the area, the Gode team continued to provide humanitarian assistance.

"We received humanitarian supplies through the mail and the chaplain back at Camp Lemonier," Smith said, "and we were happy to distribute the clothes and toys." The villagers were disappointed the team had to leave. "According to people I spoke to, the U.S. presence provided peace and stability to the area," said Smith. "Lots of work still needs to be done there."

The Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa's mission is focused on working with host nations (Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya and Yemen) to establish secure environments and build regional stability. Currently there are projects such as clinics, schools, dormitories, medical civic affairs projects and veterinary civic affairs projects.

Source: U.S. Department of Defense

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