CAMP ABU GHURAYB, IRAQ -- The enduring rain didn't stop Sgt. Winston T. Daley and the rest of Company K as it patrolled the muddy streets of Nasser Wa Saalam. He and his fellow Marines were there to safeguard the citizens of the city, rain or shine.The precipitation began the day prior, turning the dust and sand into sludge that covered the ground everywhere in sight. As the rain continued, it escalated to a downpour; water also caused minor flooding in parts of the villages. Daley and the other Marines passed by homes where people opened their doors to greet them, even though it was storming. It was an unlikely sight, judging by the Marines' experience in the area "Since we have been here I have seen rain but not like this; it's been going for three days strong," explained Sgt. Winston T. Daley, a Bridgeport, Conn., native and 1999 Central High School graduate. "The people are always in the streets, it was just that today they had to deal with the flooding of their homes and such," the 3rd squad leader of 2nd platoon explained.The Marines continued operations as if nothing had changed. Stabilizing a community and providing security can't be neglected because of a rainstorm, according to Daly. "It's a tough job, it's what we get paid to do," Daley said. "The rain and mud hindered us a bit, but with prior planning we were able to conduct operations successfully."The weather will be making a turn from wet to extremely dry as the rainy season comes to an end. Regardless of what nature will bring to Company K and all of the Marines of 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines, they will continue their mission in the area of operations."I'm sure whatever comes our way here, we will be able to handle it and be ready for it; after all, we are Marines," Daley stated.