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:

Tim holds awards for reporting, photography, writing and editing, including the Silver Spoke Award by the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (2011), Excellence in Journalism Award by the Oregon Confederation of Motorcycle Clubs (2010), Oregon AP Award for Spot News Photographer of the Year (2004), First-place Electronic Media Award in Spot News, Las Vegas, (1998), Oregon AP Cooperation Award (1991); and several others including the 2005 Red Cross Good Neighborhood Award for reporting. Tim has several years of experience in network affiliate news TV stations, having worked as a reporter and photographer at NBC, ABC and FOX stations in Arizona, Nevada and Oregon. Tim was a member of the National Press Photographer's Association for several years and is a current member of the Orange County Press Club.

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