September 14, 2003

Greeting from the Horn of Africa. This is Brigadier General Mastin Robeson and today’s Sunday 14 September. The time is 7:00 in the morning eastern standard time. All continues to go well here; mostly because your soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines continue to do terrific work. We are still engaged in Ethiopia, Kenya, Djibouti, Yemen, and Eritera; so things are busy here.

We are now into the hot and humid weather of September with temperature highs reaching 120 with 80% humidity. For those of you on the east coast, we are tracking the Hurricane that is approaching you and are keeping you in our prayers. My only advice is, if in doubt evacuate. We want a happy homecomings with healthy families.

Hopefully the weather there will not impede the planned Horn of Africa Family Day Picnic being planned for all of you on Saturday September 27th. The location is Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and it will include food, pony rides, fellowship and more. I know that is a long drive for many of you, but hope you’ll come if you can. All the details can be found on the Homepage website. Lt Jeff Polson and GySgt Munoz are available at Camp Lejeune to answer questions and to assist with directions. You can find their phone numbers on the web site as well. The web site is at www.cjtfhoa@centcom.mil. My wife will be there and looks forward to meeting any of you who can attend.

We held a short but meaningful ceremony on September 11th to remind all of us of the sacrifices that both, we and you are making to ensure the future freedom for our children and grandchildren. Thank you again for your wonderful support. Keep the e-mails and letters coming. We miss you and always look forward to hearing from you. Thanks for your continued prayers. God bless you.

The Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Commander's message and information line is available toll free at 1-866-360-3775 or Camp Lejeune area 1-910-451-2222.