Gen. Pace visits servicemembers in Djibouti

  • Published
  • By Army Sgt. Brandon McCarty
  • Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Public Affairs
CAMP LEMONIER, Djibouti (AFPN) --  The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff answered questions and addressed concerns from a large audience of servicemembers during a "Town Hall meeting" Aug.14 at the Thunder Dome at Camp Lemonier, Djibouti. 

Marine Gen. Peter Pace, the highest-ranking officer in the U.S. military, went to Camp Lemonier on a morale visit and to talk to the servicemembers supporting the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa mission.

"What (servicemembers) are doing in the Horn of Africa will be a model as the U.S. military sets up Africa Command," General Pace said.

Currently, through a humanitarian mission of capacity building and military training to help Africans help themselves, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa members conduct operations such as well-drilling, school construction, medical and veterinary civic action programs and military-to-military training.

"During General Pace's speech, I felt that his top priority is taking care of the servicemember first," said Army 1st Sgt. Gene Guzman, assigned to Delta Company of the 1/294th Infantry.

After the question and answer session, General Pace told everyone to line up so he could shake each individual's hand and thank each troop for a job well done. He also surprised everyone by giving each person his personal coin.

Many troops were surprised to see such a high-level general visiting an expeditionary base in Africa.

"I believe that this visit (from General Pace) is proof that our leaders worldwide, in particular in Washington, D.C. are interested in what we do and how well we're doing it," said Navy Rear Adm. James Hart, the CJTF-HOA commander.

"Seeing General Pace at Camp Lemonier soldiers my faith that our senior leadership cares about every single servicemember," said Maj. Anthony Cooper, a Theater Support Command planner.

After the sun set, the general mingled with servicemembers and posed for pictures at the New Cantina for a few hours before retiring for the night.

"It is great to see the general out enjoying himself and talking with all of the troops," said Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Roger Beaumont, of CJTF-HOA administration. "I feel lucky to have met him while deployed here."

General Pace was also scheduled to make a visit to South Korea to speak with servicemembers before returning to the Pentagon.

General Pace is the first Marine appointed to be America's highest-ranking military officer. General Pace was sworn in as the 16th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Sept. 30, 2005. 

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