Unplanned encounter leads to model relationship between CJTF – HOA, Djiboutians

Story by U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Brett Hart
CJTF – HOA Strategic Communications

CAMP LEMONIER, Djibouti – An unplanned encounter between U.S. military members from Camp Lemonier and residents of Assasan, Djibouti, on Jan. 8 led to a model relationship that impacts the lives of both the Americans and Djiboutians.

The CJTF – HOA personnel not only worked with community residents to repair a collapsed water cistern, but they built a better understanding about each other’s culture during the exchange.

“We happened to drive by this town on our way back from assessing areas in northern Djibouti for potential projects,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Kris Hesselbrock, Bravo Company, 489th Civil Affairs Battalion. “We were impressed by how clean and organized the town appeared. We came back the next day to learn more about this town and saw the collapsed cistern.”

The team noticed there was no trash on the ground and the dirt trails were lined with white stones.
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