After a well breakdown in the Yoboki District of Djibouti, villagers drew their water from a contaminated oasis, resulting in a cholera outbreak.

But the North Carolina Army Guard's 1132nd Engineer Detachment (Well Drilling) helped stem the spread of disease, doing what they do best.

The unit deployed to the small country on the Horn of Africa as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, and its members quickly found themselves saving lives.

"The problem with the oasis is that it is open to the environment," said Staff Sgt. William Brown. "There is nothing to protect the water from bacteria."

The oasis in question also is a popular stop on an ancient camel trail, which only exacerbated the situation.

"Travelers bathe and drink from the water because they have no other choice," Sergeant Brown said. "They then continue on their journey, spreading disease that they contract from the oasis."

The 1132nd set up camp at the well in late March. Unit members first cleared debris from the site and used a chlorine solution to disinfect the well. They then used a submergible pump to flush the chlorine to safe drinking levels.

Intense heat helped bum off the chlorine but burned up the drillers.

"It is not easy working in this environment where the heat is 120 degrees," said Pfc. Brandon Holt. "It does help with the mission though, because the heat helps burn off the chlorine that treats the water."

Soldiers also replaced a solar-powered pump with a hand pump, which they believe will be more practical.

"This way we will be able to fix the well a lot easier if it gets broken again," Sergeant Brown said. "The people will not have to wait very long to have clean water."

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