Photo By Sgt. Michael Tuttle | Iraqi army soldiers eat lunch at a dining facility at the K-1 Iraqi army base outside...... read more read more
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By Sgt. Michael Tuttle
5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
KIRKUK, Iraq – It's not what mom used to make, but Iraqi army soldiers are eating more and better than before at the K-1 Iraqi army base outside of Kirkuk.
The facilities are more sanitary, the food is better cooked and the soldiers are receiving larger portions, according to 1st Sgt. Harold Yahn, an advisor with the military transition team working with the Iraqi army leadership here to improve the base dining facilities.
The local contractors that run the five dining facilities (DFAC) on base have been instructed how to properly store food and organize their kitchens to avoid any health problems. Trailers with sinks and running water have also been set up outside so that soldiers can wash their hands before entering the DFACs.
"These facilities have improved drastically over the last six months," said Capt. Charles Douglas, a medical officer with the 3rd Brigade Support Battalion, 25th Infantry Division. Douglas visits K-1 weekly to check the progress of the base's DFACs.
"There was a lot of work that needed to be done when we first got here," Douglas said, "but now they're at a point where they're working to maintain these standards."
And while soldiers anywhere may grumble about their chow, the food here has also improved. Contrary to before, meat is served daily as part of the rotating weekly meal schedule.
Breakfast usually includes soup, eggs and cheese. Soup is also served at lunch with rice and gravy. Meat is served with dinner, including chicken liver, drumsticks, or beef. Bread and vegetables, such as tomatoes and cucumbers, are served with every meal. And there is always plenty of hot, sugar-rich chai, or tea, available.
While the meals served here are not home cooked, Iraqi army soldiers appreciate the improvements that have been made.
"There is no comparison between food here and home," said Bella Jumma Abula, a mechanic with the 4th Motorized Transportation Regiment. "But the food is much better than it used to be; it's cooked better and the treatment is better."
Fatah Latif Abdarahman is an assistant manager of the DFACs and helped implement the changes. He said he takes pride in keeping the bellies of his country's soldiers full.
"It's important to make sure they are fed well. I feel like I'm feeding my brothers while they protect our country," Abdarahman said.
| Date Taken: | 03.16.2007 |
| Date Posted: | 03.16.2007 09:38 |
| Story ID: | 9463 |
| Location: | KIRKUK, IQ |
| Web Views: | 528 |
| Downloads: | 220 |
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