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thedrifter
03-03-06, 06:41 AM
San Diego Marine Talks About Life In Iraq
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Last Updated:
03-02-06 at 4:58PM

News 8 takes a closer look at the day-to-day life of San Diego troops stationed at a military base in Iraq. The Marines are part of a squadron from MCAS Miramar.

It's a long way from San Diego, but Marines from Miramar are settling into their assignment at Iraq's Al Asad Airfield.

"We're a very diverse unit -- we cover everything from flying the actual aircraft in support of the coalition forces to air traffic control, to base support functions," Lt. Col. Jeff Koffel said.

Koffel, a Ramona resident, says the Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron three arrived here last month. They're about 110 miles from Baghdad, where suicide bombers continue to cause chaos --- And threats of civil war remain. 110 miles may seem far away - but for these marines - it's too close to ignore.

"No doubt about it -- we are still in a combat zone out here and there are definitely risks every day, but we take all the precautions that we can to ensure the safety of our marines and soldiers and sailors," Koffel said.

For many here it's a return visit, so they knew what to expect.

"It's an old Soviet-style airbase the living conditions are pretty good," Koffel said. "Right now temperatures are pretty moderate so it's a lot like being in San Diego.

There are even some comforts from home.

"We've got a Burger King here and a Pizza Hut as well," he said.

They left San Diego in January and are expected to stay overseas anywhere from 7 months to a year. As for the mood of these troops, we're told so far, so good. Helping immensely is love from home, e-mails and care packages.

"We really appreciate the support from the San Diego community," Koffel said. "We couldn't ask for a better home town than San Diego."

Ellie