Government shutdown: Camp Pendleton impacted by furloughs

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (KABC) -- In Oceanside, support for our military is seen throughout the coastal city. It's located near Camp Pendleton so when something like the partial government shutdown hits the base, people at the major West Coast base know about it.

"I'm sorry for the military families, very sorry for them," said Lynn Killingsworth of Oceanside.

So far, men and women in uniform continue to work and get paid. But Camp Pendleton officials say those providing non-crucial services, nearly 1,200 civilian employees, have been sent home. Many civilian run services have stopped.

Camp Pendleton Public Affairs Lt. Ryan Finnegan says quality of life services including pools and libraries have closed because of the government shutdown.

Also closed are the commissaries which offer discounted tax-free groceries, clothing and other items. That hurts says one Camp Pendleton Marine who only wants to be identified as Tim.

"There were really long lines yesterday for it just to try to get food and make sure we had enough because it's cheaper on base than off base," said Tim.

"We had something similar happen earlier in the year with the sequestration and the furloughs," said Finnegan. "I think the difference is this time we don't know how long this is going to last."

Officials say the Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton is still operating as usual. But if the government shutdown lasts for months, the hospital may face cuts.

"It's just silly," said David Davis of Oceanside. "The lawmakers need to have their pay cut while the rest of the government is shutdown."

The first federal government shutdown in nearly 20 years is frustrating for many.

"Good grief, can't those guys ever agree to something around here," said James Lovell, a World War II veteran. "We vote for them to protect and represent us and they go their own way once they get in office."

But this World War II veteran, like many residents at Camp Pendleton, tries to remain optimistic, hoping the shutdown will be short.

"We're Marines, we'll get the job done and we still have a very important mission and we're not going to let this shutdown get between us and getting the job done," said Finnegan.

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republican party, democratic party, president barack obama, budget, san diego, california, california news, eileen frere

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