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Guardsman, Tennessee Native While his fellow soldiers continue the fight against terrorism inside Iraq and Afghanistan, Georgia Army National Guard Maj. Dane A. Snowden, a member of Augusta’s 878th Engineer Battalion, is assisting with the anti-terrorism mission in Africa. Snowden, who lives in Ooltewah, Tenn., is one of more than 1,000 military and civilian personnel who are part of Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa (CJTFA). Based in Djibouti, the task force’s job is to keep a constant lookout for terrorist threats on the skies, land and coastal waters of Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia, Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti and Yemen. Snowden joined Task Force Africa in July after completing a tour-of-duty at the Pentagon’s Army Operations Center. "I’m proud to be here supporting this essential mission," said Snowden, who is the task force’s deputy of personnel and administration section. "It’s an honor to have the opportunity to work with this group of extremely talented men and women." While his duties may be to deal with personnel and administration issues, the south Florida native spends a large part of his time working as Task Force Africa’s briefing officer. It’s a great responsibility, he said, keeping Army and other senior leaders appraised daily of what’s taking place in the task force area of operations. He said it’s a job he takes quite seriously. That Dedication and commitment to mission accomplishment is a goal he has worked toward all during his military career, Snowden said. And it’s an even more important objective in light of the operations now going on in the world, he said. It is that dedication and professionalism that recently earned him the Army Commendation Medal. Marine Corps Col. Stone Quillian, director of Task Force J, presented the medal to him. While he does enjoy his work and proud of doing his part in dealing a major blow to those opposed to world peace, the hardest part about being deployed is being separated from his family, friends. "It’s tough being away from my wife Loretta, but we both understand that being a member of the armed forces requires some sacrifices," he said. "While I wasn’t with my wife during our anniversary or birthdays, holidays, I’ve had plenty of family right here with my fellow service members." Comprised of personnel from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, civilian representatives and coalition liaison officers, Combine Joint Task Force Horn of Africa was formed to oversee operations in the Horn of Africa for U.S. Central Command in support of the Global War on Terrorism. Task force officials have said the CJTAFHOA’s mission revolves around three tasks. The first part is to detect, disrupt and defeat transnational terrorist groups operating in the region – denying safe havens, external support and material assistance for terrorist activity. One way the task force accomplishes this is to conduct training with foreign military units. Snowden recalled a statement made by, Army Staff Sgt. Steven Johnson, a CJTF-HOA member, that explained how military-to-military training plays a positive role to American forces. "Johnson said, ‘Terrorists thrive on chaos and disorder,’" Snowden said. "By having American soldiers here conduct training with and help the (African) military, it is a big deterrent to terrorist groups that may be in the region. "By word of mouth, terrorists will know there is an American presence in (the Horn of Africa), which will cause them to leave the area," Snowden recounted. The second part of the task force mission is to counter the reemergence of transnational terrorism in the region through civil-military operations and support of non-governmental organization operations. A recent project, which highlights this task, includes nearly $50,000 worth of renovations for a Djiboutian Hospital. The renovations included a new roof for the main hospital, running water, and interior renovations to the main hospital, maternity ward and emergency room as well as a well house constructed by the 463rd Engineer Detachment. These types of projects bring needed resources to the community. These first two tasks, Snowden said, lead to accomplish the final intent of the task force, enhancing the long-term stability of the region. "Everyday, our actions make a difference in the Global War on Terrorism." Snowden added. "Missions like this are the reasons I remained in the military for so long. I’m proud to serve here, and I’m grateful to be a part of this operation and to serve my country in her hour of need." Snowden has 26 years of military service, both with the Georgia Army National Guard and active Army. He spent three years on active duty as a military policeman and the joined the Georgia Guard with the rank of specialist. Some of the positions he has held as a National Guard officer include work as a vertical and horizontal platoon leader and later company commander of Company C 878th Engineer Battalion; executive officer and construction officer with the 878th’s Company B; and he has also been the 878th’s battalion construction officer and its logistics officer and its personnel management officer. Snowden also has served with the Detachment 1, 93d Signal Brigade, stationed at Gordon in Augusta, as its personnel management officer. He is a graduate of Tennessee Wesleyan College in Athens, Tenn., and he is an employee of the M&M Mars Candy Co., in Cleveland, Tenn.
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