Posted on 06/28/2006 10:58:32 PM PDT by SandRat
CAMP RAMADI, Iraq (June 28, 2006) -- A mobile detachment of Marines from the 1st Marine Logistics Group is working hard to improving life for Iraqi soldiers stationed in the Ramadi area.
The unit, Combat Logistics Detachment 115, recently delivered three mobile kitchens to Camp Commando, a forward operating base west of the city.
Soldiers at the camp had been surviving on primitive cooking methods and prepackaged meals, called meals ready to eat, said Staff Sgt. Kenneth Ryals, the platoon sergeant for 1st Platoon, Combat Logistics Regiment 115.
The kitchen units, which resemble pop-up campers pulled by pick-up trucks, will be used by the Iraqi army to provide better food and more variety.
Ryals said the kitchens will also lift the soldiers’ spirits.
“After talking with the U.S. Army captain (who advises the Iraqi unit), you could tell (the Iraqis) will love the new kitchens,” said Ryals, a 31-year-old native of Bay Minette, Ala. “The only type of meals you saw at the base were meals, ready-to-eat.”
Originally based at Camp Taqaddum, Iraq, CLD-115 recently detached from its parent command, Combat Logistics Regiment 15 of the 1st Marine Logistics Group, to provide support to Coalition and Iraqi security forces in Ramadi, said Maj. Maria J. Pallotta, the commanding officer of CLD-115.
The CLD-115 Marines see their mission as a way to demonstrate American resolve to aide in the reconstruction of Iraq.
“It lets the Iraqi army know we’re here to help and that we care about them,” Ryals said.
For me, hot showers was number 1.
This is a great way to win some 'hearts and minds' if you ask me.
Semper Fi.
L
The way to a man's heart is through his stomach.
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