Camp Lemonnier Troops Volunteer at Djiboutian Orphanage

By: Petty Officer 1st Class Shawn D. Graham, CJTF-HOA Public Affairs

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti (July 12, 2010) – Service members from Camp Lemonier visited

the Franciscan Missionaries of Notre Dame baby orphanage July 10 to assist staff and caregivers

in feeding and bathing more than 50 babies trusted to their care.

Upon arrival, volunteers 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Caleb Griffen said that volunteering at the orphanage was

uplifting and made his service at Camp Lemonnier more fulfilling.

“Some of the older children remember you and will race to the door as soon as they see

you,” said Griffen. “When they start smiling it makes you smile.”

“I was excited when I read about the volunteer opportunity,” said Griffen. “Helping to

care for infants is rewarding. They are the neediest of all.”

Griffen also said that volunteers develop bonds with the babies.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Christopher Smith said that he was gaining valuable

parenting skills by volunteering at the orphanage.

 “This is great practice,” said Smith. “I want to start my own family one day and I had

never interacted with babies. This was an eye-opening experience.”

Smith also said that the numerous volunteers that visit the orphanage help augment the

orphanage staff.

Volunteers from the camp help care for the infants three times a week. By the time the

babies are finished with their feedings, most volunteers find time to cuddle and play with them.

“People back home have also asked how they can help these children,” added Griffen.

“Most of the volunteers have slowly built a network of stateside churches and individuals who

collect items and arrange for shipping to Camp Lemonnier for distribution.”

“The orphanage consistently needs baby items so I asked my family and church back

home to send diapers, baby bottles, high chairs, clothes, and bibs so that we can donate them in

the future,” said Griffen.

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Linda Gandara said that it felt natural to provide care

for the small children.

“The babies are just like my own kids,” said Gandara. “They want someone to hold and

nurture them and that is what the volunteers do.”

“This is a great opportunity to give your time, energy and love to children that are less

fortunate than yourself,” said Gandara.