Just Like Mom Used to Make? Chow at Camp Phoenix, Afghanistan (VIDEO)

DISPATCHES FROM AFGHANISTAN
These are the staples of U.S. troops in Afghanistan. Three times a day, civilian employees from a company called KBR prepares meals and feeds hundreds of soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines. That's not to mention the soldiers from other coalition countries.

The chow hall at Camp Phoenix gives soldiers 3 square meals and more. Photo by: Tim King

(KABUL, Afghanistan) - "The food is fresh and it's good," says an Italian soldier.

It's a big job, and most of the American reviews are favorable. The choices are many, and everything is served in a cafeteria-style setting.

Col. Michael Petrucci- of the 41st Brigade, says, “It's difficult always to get the right kind of food for the troops forward, they do a good job."

For some that have been here for several months, the revolving food lineup does get a little monotonous, with a somewhat limited supply some days. Of course nothing compares to what mom can make back home.

"I miss home cooking, this ain’t food, I'm not sure what this is but it works for now," comments Randall Haberman.

But all things considered, it is hard to complain about three square meals with variety in each day's menu. As far as nutritional value goes, families at home can rest assured that their loved ones are getting adequate sustenance in their diets.

"We could not ask for anything better, they work very hard, and they make the best good menus according to what they get," notes Elizabeth Juarez.

"You have quite a variety of food, for example we have the sandwich bar which is just as good as any cold cut sandwich bar back home; we have ham, turkey and things like that,” says Navy Captain Joseph green. “Tomatoes, all the vegetables. We've got salads, if the soldier is willing to watch their own diet they can do it here."

While most meals are consumed in the dining facility, food can also be prepared to go, that can be important with the ever-changing schedules here at Camp Phoenix and soldiers and others who are constantly on the move. That ensures that even people with the tightest schedules don't go hungry.

Watch the Streaming Video News Report below, direct from Kabul, Afghanistan by Tim King: Video

In Afghanistan, Tim King, reporting for Salem-news.com

If you are interested in sponsoring a special report, direct from the 41st Combat Brigade at Camp Phoenix, Kabul, Afghanistan, email: bonnie@salem-news.com DISPATCHES FROM AFGHANISTAN "SUPPORT GROUP" Love Boxes sponsor of special report, and fantastic support group for all of our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. Send a Love Box: http://www.loveboxesforourtroops.com Salem Police provided body armor, military rainproof clothing and other small materials from their SWAT team that will make a big difference for Tim's level of safety. Eola Hills Winery hosted a winetasting fundraiser on October 13th. Special thanks goes to Eric Rogers, Terri & Ann. Visit Eola Hills at http://eolahills.com McDonalds Restaurants of Salem provided $1,100 toward the trip to Afghanistan. We hardly know how to thank them enough, but we know this is one organization that sees the value of bringing the stories of our Oregon soldiers home. Nopps Jewelry and Art provided a kevlar military issue helmet with a value of $250. This is greatly appreciated! You can visit their site: www.nopps.com Eric Mason of Salem provided $100 toward Tim's trip to Afghanistan. Eric and Tim formerly worked together at Portland, Oregon's ABC station. Jesse Anderson of Lincoln City provided funds to help, as did Dan and Marti Motley of Salem. One of Salem's most courageous families, David and Arlene Banks, provided $100 toward Tim's trip. Another pair of Salem heroes, Scott Smith and Margaret Sanner, provided funds to assist with Tim's Afghanistan trip. Roger Yost and Alessandro's Ristorante have provided generous assistance for the Afghanistan coverage. Camo and Gear Military Surplus in Salem contributed a pair of new military issue boots that will be ideal for use in Afghanistan. Tom Golden of Golden’s Funeral Service, Proud of the past, prepared for the future. Other supporters wish not to be named, but we appreciate them greatly, and each and every contribution makes a big difference.

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Tim King is embedded in Kabul, Afghanistan with the 41st Combat Brigade of the Oregon National Guard. See his stories several times a week here, on Salem-News.com, and on Portland’s KPTV Fox12.

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I love this.I was there for two year`s.

Thank You ! Tim King has been with our troops since the war started! As a Marine Corps Mom(from Salem) I have talked to him a few times:) He knows that we pray for and love our children that as they go in harms way!

CNN Fact Check: The Pentagon did award a no-bid, or sole-source, contract to the Halliburton subsidiary, KBR or Kellog Brown and Root in March 2003. The Defense department estimates that the KBR oil reconstruction contract was worth about $8.2 billion dollars. In February 2004 we learned that Halliburton had consistently overbilled the Pentagon for meals at a U.S. military base in Kuwait. According to auditors, the Pentagon paid the company $16 million for nearly four million meals that were never served. This came right after the gasoline overcharging scandal, which came right after the Kuwait kick-back debacle. Shouldn't there be three strikes and you're out? When caught with its hand in the taxpayer-funded cookie jar, Halliburton merely apologizes, pays back the money its pilfered , and goes on to win another hefty cost-plus contract. But steal a candy bar at WalMart and your going to jail! Sources; CNN Fact Check, Fanatics and Fools, by Arianna Huffington, P.119-120, April 2004. Enjoy the Chow folks! It sure cost alot!

Old-G.: Right on...sure beats memory from Camp Devens ! Gunk-there sunk some solid soldiers seeking badly needed strength.

what about c-rats? not even vaguely similar, lucky dogs! that looks like real food.how i'd have loved that!

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