CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti - Soldiers from the Texas Army National Guard's 3rd Squadron, 124th Cavalry Regiment, deployed here as part of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, delivered care packages and other supplies to an orphanage in Dire Dawa, Ethopia, Sept. 2.
"Nine boxes of hygiene items went to the orphanage Sunday," said Army Capt. Brett Anderson, a chaplain with the cavalry unit.
The need for personal hygiene items has increased in recent months, according to Anderson.
"Ethiopia has had more rain than usual and even flooding in some areas," Anderson said. "These supplies have become a lot more expensive to come by. The girls learn to live with very little; but having soap, shampoo and toothpaste certainly improves their quality of life."
Fortunately, there are many organizations willing to deliver.
"We had a group (back home in Texas) ask about how they could help people here," Anderson said. "We suggested the orphanage as we spend a lot of time there and knew they needed certain things."
Since then more than 20 boxes have been sent for the orphanage, with additional boxes continuing to arrive from other sources.
Next to high-demand, personal care items, CJTF-HOA service members have lent their professional skills around the orphanage.
"A lot of the needs of the orphanage were only for help with construction projects," Anderson said. "The [Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3] Seabees built more showers."
That made for a large step up from what had been at the orphanage previously.
"The Seabees installed five showerheads and the electrics for a water pump," said Army 1st Lt. Jose Muñoz, force protection officer with 3rd Sqdrn., 124th Cav. Regt. force protection officer in charge at Camp Gilbert. "The orphanage only had one shower which was previously a toilet."
Soldiers and Sailors continue to visit the orphanage on a twice-weekly basis to spend time with the residents, lend a hand, or deliver boxes.