Reply #14: Your sentiment is frequently echoed in Iraq by US military/civilians

[lebkuchen]

American-style meals suit GIs

I never cease to be amazed by the Bush bashers and critics who always try to discredit the hard work and services provided by my employer, KBR (“KBR needs some healthy competition,” column, G. Jefferson Price III, Feb. 11).

Though I can’t speak officially about figures and cost, I do know that here in Kuwait and also in Iraq KBR hires dozens of subcontractors to provide goods and services to the military. Locals are hired for those positions and are paid a wage commensurate with that area.

As for the cuisine, our dining facilities in Kuwait and also in Iraq offer nutritious, hot meals. Apparently, G. Jefferson Price III is not in touch with the American soldiers’ palate when he suggests that Middle Eastern foods be served in our dining facilities because people who eat the same foods get along better. I guess we could then hold hands with the terrorists and all sing “We Are The World.”

Soldiers want foods they’re familiar with. American-style foods cooked American-style. I have been at this camp for a year and not once have I heard an American soldier say: “I sure would enjoy a nice mezze or olives stuffed with grape leaves.”

And Price was correct in saying a security concern would be the poisoning of American troops and a food taster would need to be hired. I know just the person for that position: G. Jefferson Price III.

Bob Huffman
Camp Spearhead, Kuwait

http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=125&article=27272