AFMC Command News

The Horn of Africa, the Air Force mission, the captain who vows to return

  • Published
  • By Laura McGowan
  • Aeronautical Systems Center Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  Capt. Bob Everdeen, Aeronautical Systems Center public affairs, recently returned from a three and a half month deployment to the Horn of Africa. While there, he performed typical public affairs duties, in an atypical environment, for Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa.

Shortly after his arrival at Camp LeMonier, Djibouti, Capt. Everdeen set up a Web log, or blog, to keep his friends, family members and co-workers informed about his activities. On the site, he provided numerous photographs and summaries of the CJTF-HOA mission, which is assisting host nations in combating terrorism in order to establish a secure environment and enable regional stability.

Captain Everdeen brought back not only many African souvenirs, but even more important, a desire to return and continue the mission the Air Force sparked in him.

“Living conditions at Camp LeMonier, Djibouti, were comfortable for a deployed location. Although I didn’t have all the comforts of home, I did have an air conditioned tent, shared with about 15 other servicemembers,” he said. “The approximately 6’ x 8’ living space provided each of us enough room for our personal and professional gear, but not enough room for the ‘extras’ we were used to ‘back home.’”

As a trained public affairs specialist, first in the Navy and then as an Air Force officer, Capt. Everdeen understood the importance of providing media access to Camp LeMonier. “Early on in my deployment, I had the opportunity to provide a tour of the camp to the first Somalian reporter to visit since the CJTF-HOA mission started.

“Giving access to local and international media representatives was crucial in getting the word out about the work being done by the coalition assigned to CJTF-HOA. We want people to know we’re there and the types of projects being undertaken. As word spread about the mission, other disadvantaged communities in the Horn of Africa were able to request our help,” he said.

One photo Capt. Everdeen took while deployed brought a sympathetic reaction from many who viewed it. There were three young boys with him, holding up rocks and dressed in American T-shirts and cloth wrapped around like a skirt.

“The children in the picture lived in stone houses at Lake Assal, Djibouti, which is the site of the lowest elevation on the continent and the fourth lowest point on Earth. They didn’t have much – at least by American standards – but were very friendly and happy-go-lucky.

“This was the case in nearly every situation I experienced ‘outside the wire’ of Camp LeMonier. People throughout the Horn of Africa didn’t have much, but they were nearly all respectful, thankful and friendly,” he said. “It made me realize that many Americans take a lot for granted. Many people here continuously strive to acquire more ‘things’ when what’s really important is being thankful for what we do have. This ranges from good health and family ties to a strong, responsible government…and everything ‘good’ in between.”

Capt. Everdeen said that seeing photographs and hearing stories about life in the Horn of Africa paints a picture; however, actually visiting and experiencing life there burns permanent images into one’s mind and carves a piece of compassion into the heart.

“Seeing people walking in 120-degree heat, with no house or shelter to return to, no money in their pocket and no reliable means of getting food, makes you realize how fortunate we are to live in America and have ‘the basics,’” he said. “I plan to take my family to Africa someday so my children can understand what it means to be American and the privileges we enjoy in this country.

“The more people who experience Africa, the more who are likely to get involved and make a difference for the communities there, which in turn will make life better for people around the world,” he said.

For Capt. Everdeen, “The mission of capacity building in the Horn of Africa—teaching people how to provide for themselves—is key to combating terrorism and extremism. By being proactive now, we can hopefully avoid having to fight terrorists in the future. And when the next deployment to CJTF-HOA arises, mine will be the first hand up.”