Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa

Story by Staff Sgt. Jennifer Redente

By Air Force Staff Sgt. Jennifer Redente
Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa Public Affairs

GABLA GALAN, Djibouti – A team from Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa revisited the village of Gabla Galan, Dec. 16, to participate in a veterinary civic action program to vaccinate more than 500 additional animals bringing the total to more than 8,000 over a two-month time frame.

Service members from the 350th Civil Affairs Command Functional Specialty Team and Airmen, Sailors and Soldiers assigned to various units under CJTF-HOA treated the animals with a multivitamin and dewormer to help improve the health of goats, sheep, donkeys and camels in the area.

"The vitamins will help with their overall health as the types of food commonly available here are not the most nutritious," said Army Capt. Karin E. Hamilton, 350th CACOM FxSp veterinarian. "The dewormers help rid the animals of both internal and external parasites, which can contribute to many medical conditions, as well as result in a weaker animal that won't produce as many offspring, milk or meat."

The mission of CJTF-HOA is conduct operations such as VETCAPs to prevent conflict, promote regional stability and protect coalition interest in order to prevail against extremism.

"With the help of our translator, Aden, we develop a level of trust with the local residents," said Hamilton. "In the end, we not only get to help improve the lives of the animals and their owners, but we develop positive relationships between the U.S. military and the local residents."

Part of the civil affairs mission is to talk with the leaders of the region to assist in explaining what their role is.

Abdillahi Ali, Ali Sabieh District veterinarian, was a participant in the VETCAP to help explain to local herdsmen the importance of the injections the VETCAP team provided.

"We have built a rapport with the Djiboutians and animal health officials," said Army Sgt. 1st Class Ralph T. Buran, 350th CACOM FxSp operations non-commissioned officer-in-charge. "We always encourage the Djiboutians to take the lead. The end result is promoting healthy animals for healthier people. They use the animals for a source of food and everyday living. These animals are their livelihood."

While inoculating animals, herdsmen asked the veterinarians to look at a few goats that were not well.

"The herdsmen brought a few sick animals to our attention and each was treated according to its symptoms," said Army Capt. Catherine I. Williams, CJTF-HOA veterinarian. "An example of this was a goat having an upper respiratory infection, which we treated with antibiotics."

The VETCAP was conducted near a local water hole, which is used by the herds of the village. During the inoculation phase of the VETCAP, team members recognized previously treated animals making use of a nearby water hole.

"They are some of the healthiest animals that I have seen in Djibouti," said Air Force Senior Master Sgt. David B. Culver, 350th CACOM FxSp aerospace medical superintendent. "This is based on an observation of the animals' horn condition, fur and skin, and body fat."

Herdsmen were appreciative of the assistance from the 350th CACOM service members.

"My herd has tick and skin infection problems," said Awaleh Djibril, a herdsman to more than 150 goats. "The assistance provided is in the best interest of my herd. I look forward to seeing my herd's health improve."

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