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View Full Version : After Iraq, Marine is glad for break in Salem


Shaffer
06-17-03, 09:17 AM
Marine Sgt. Grant Zaitz can’t help but feel a little guilty.

While thousands of U.S. troops remain in Iraq to continue the peacekeeping mission and the search for chemical weapons, he is living a life of comparable luxury.

The 21-year-old Salem native is appreciating homecooked meals and hot showers, enjoying the company of friends and family, and welcoming the sight of lush green scenery in the Mid-Willamette Valley.

On Tuesday, he returns to his home base in Southern California.

“Our battalion was fortunate to be pulled out,” Zaitz said. “A lot of guys from my base are still over there.

“We got lucky.”

Zaitz is a squad leader in the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, an infantry unit that saw as much combat during the war in Iraq as any.

http://news.statesmanjournal.com/article_print.cfm?i=63219