Commander, Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa Public Affairs
CAMP LEMONIER, Djibouti, March 21, 2007 — Personnel from Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa’s Camp Lemonier visited a local baby orphanage, March 15 to assist the caregivers in feeding the 50 babies trusted to their care.
| "As soon as you see the babies, their faces light up and we smile right back and it’s like we’ve known each other since they we born. We may not have a family tie, but while we’re here they’ll be our family and we’ll shower them with love." Petty Officer 2nd Class Mary Jane Valdez |
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| U.S. Navy Master Chief Petty Officer Shannon Thornton feeds a baby boy a bottle of formula while visiting a baby orphanage in Djibouti, Africa, March 15, 2007. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Mary Popejoy |
Upon arrival, the CJTF-HOA personnel greeted the staff, picked the baby they wanted to feed first, and then made their way to the pre-staged baby bottles so feeding time could begin. Once they were done feeding one child, it was time to continue the process with another baby until all babies were fed.
Once the feeding time for the babies was complete, the volunteers then assisted the caregivers in feeding the toddlers.
“With so many babies to feed, the staff can always use a hand so it’s nice to be able to leave camp and help feed and play with the babies,” said Master Chief Petty Officer Shannon Thornton. “I enjoy these trips a lot because I have kids of my own and it reminds me of home.”
Petty Officer 2nd Class Mary Jane Valdez is a regular volunteer at the orphanage and has established bonds with the children and it shows.
“Seeing the little babies’ happy faces when we visit keeps me coming back because they’re just as happy to see us as we are to see to them,” said Valdez. “It’s almost like they know what days we come out and they look forward to it as well.”
It is because of their smiles that U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Ronald Navalta has asked his parent command to send baby items for the orphanage vice sending care packages to him.
“I have everything I need here, but the orphanage is always in need of baby stuff so I asked my co-workers back home to send items such as diapers, baby bottles, nipples, clothes, and bibs so we can donate them in the future,” said Navalta.
The visit not only makes the kids smile, but the military volunteers as well.
Source: CJTF-HOA, Mar 21, 2007