CJTF-HOA

Rehabilitation Process

LIRA, Uganda (June 17, 2007) – Army Spc. Daniel LeGeer, force protection for Bravo Company 489th Civil Affairs (CA) Battalion Team A16, and one of the children from the  Freidis Rehabilitation and Disable Centre take a moment to smile for the camera during a recent visit to the Centre on Father’s Day. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Mary Popejoy

Civil Affairs team donates time at a Rehabilitation Centre in Uganda
CJTF-HOA Public Affairs

The work schedule of Bravo Company 489th Civil Affairs (CA) Battalion (BN) Team A16 is non-stop during the week, so on the weekend that gives them the opportunity to relax and spend some time with the littlest people of northern Uganda.

On Father’s Day, several team members visited the Freidis Rehabilitation and Disable Centre and the Lira Babies’ home to spread some good cheer.

“Our presence here at the Freidis Rehabilitation Centre gives these kids a new hope and a new beginning,” said Army Spc. Daniel LaGeer, Bravo Co. 489th CA BN Team A16’s force protection. “They’ve had a rough past and they don’t have a lot to be happy about except for the future. When we visit and sing songs and dance it adds something to the bigger picture of making them happy.” 

The Centre, which opened in February, is home to 28 children who were either born with disabilities or suffered injuries in combat. During their three-to-six month stay, children receive medical treatment, educational opportunities, counseling sessions, singing, dancing, athletics and making new friends.

“When the kids first got here they were traumatized, but with the help from us and the U.S. military they’ve done a complete turnaround and have a positive outlook on life,” said Freidis Persson, chairman of the board for the Centre.

When the military comes to visit, they sing songs, dance and assist Persson and her husband in helping the children improve their mobility.

“When we first started coming here there were three kids who were unable to walk, but with our support and enthusiasm they’re now able to walk with some help. It’s nice to see them get around and enjoy the daily activities the Centre provides,” said Army Cpl. Nicole Deal, Bravo Co. 489th CA BN Team A16.

She went on to say that even though these kids have disabilities, they face each day with a smile, and that’s what makes doing events like this so rewarding.

“Every time I come here my heart just breaks because even in the darkest hour they still have smiles on their faces because in some ways they know the best is yet to come,” said Deal.

Not only are the children and the CA team happy, but so is Persson who enjoys having the military on hand to help in many ways.

“I have very good feelings about the military. From the first moment they stopped by to lend assistance, they’ve been able to provide us with mattresses, mosquito nets, small generators and balls, which help the Centre out immensely,” said Persson. “They are so great with the children, and that warms all of our hearts. I wish we could have them here every day,” she said.

At the end of the day, it’s not about what they give; it’s about what they get from the Centre in return.

“They’re just so grateful for our friendship and what we do for them, and that makes everything we do worth it,” said Deal. “These kids are the reason I am here in Uganda.”

Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa began operations at Camp Lemonier, Djibouti on May 13, 2003. The task force’s mission is to prevent conflict, promote regional stability and protect coalition interests in order to prevail against extremism. The mission is accomplished by partnering with nations on humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, consequence management, civic action programs to include medical and veterinary care, school and medical clinic construction and water development projects.