Kings Park Native Serves As U.S. Navy Officer In Horn Of Africa

KINGS PARK, NY—U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Keith Laffman of Kings Park is playing an important role in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy. These days you can find him keeping busy at the Expeditionary Medical Facility (EMF) at Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti.

Laffman, who graduated from Johns Hopkins University in 2010 with a master’s in Health Services Finance Management, is the EMF’s director for administration. As the only level-2 trauma center in the area, the EMF is responsible for the care of thousands of personnel who occupy the base and those in and around the area of responsibility.

The 1994 graduate of Kings Park High School credits his success in the Navy and during the deployment to the lessons he learned growing up in Kings Park.

“I learned that through hard work, anything is achievable,” Laffman said.

Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Laffman said he is most proud of earning his commission.

“I was enlisted for 15 years as a physical therapy technician,” said Laffman. “It took a lot of hard work and dedication, but I earned my commission as an officer.”

Laffman comes from a history of military service: his father is an Air Force veteran and both his uncle and grandfather are Navy veterans. He says he would welcome his children to follow his footsteps and join the Navy.

“I’d support them 100 percent if that’s what they wanted to do,” Laffman said. “I feel everyone should serve their country.”

Camp Lemonnier is an operational installation that enables U.S., allied and partner nation forces to be where and when they are needed to ensure security in Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia.