When you think of war, images of violence and heartache spring to mind, but one mission in the Horn of Africa is all about spreading peace.

Ronald Reagan’s national security policy was based on the concept of peace through strength, and that principle is on display in Djibouti.

Members of the United States Marine Corps 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion worked with counterparts from the Djiboutian air force, teaching them operational security and force protection techniques.

“It’s really good helping them to train up, and hopefully, in the future, they’ll be able to take care of themselves and support their country,” said Corporal Robert Cornish, Combined Joint Task Force/Horn of Africa marine.

Eight thousand miles from Hampton Roads, CJTF/HOA finds itself in one of the globe’s strategic choke points, where the Red Sea meets the gateway to the Arabian Sea, a hotbed of modern-day piracy, and a know hornet’s nest of terrorist activity.

The task force showed its tender side as three days a week U.S. troops went to Djiboutian villages and volunteered at local orphanages.

The whole idea was to show people there that America is not the bad guy, and that violence and terror are not the answer.

“It’s wonderful,” said Lt. Patrice Higgins, CJTF/HOA Navy officer. “We have the opportunity to not only do our military work; we also interface with the community.”

Higgins is a Navy reservist from Virginia Beach, and although she is sad to be away for the holidays, she is fired up about the Horn of Africa mission.

“We’re saving people, and that’s our whole mission, is to prevent some of the terrorism and extremism in the area.”

See more of the troops’ stories on A Holiday Salute, Monday, December 24th at 8:00 p.m. on Channel 13.