Firefighters, who are also veterans, say military background helped them battle Palisades Fire

PACIFIC PALISADES, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Firefighters have been battling the Palisades Fire for weeks. Their courageous efforts are admirable, to say the least. And for some, it's their military experience that has been crucial on their mission to contain to the fire.

When the Palisades Fire broke out, firefighters were on the front lines battling a blaze that scorched thousands of acres and homes.

"In my 25 years, this is by far the worst fire I've been to, and it's because we had up to 99 mph gusts, historic winds and it was just the most erratic wind I've seen," said Capt. Adam Van Gerpen, Public Information Officer for the Los Angeles City Fire Department.

"We were there at the beginning, and we had firefighters surrounding the whole thing, on the roof with hose lines. Everywhere around us was burning. It was a legit firefight," said Robert Rodriguez, with the Los Angeles City Fire Department.

Van Gerpen and Rodriguez share more than just their roles as LAFD firefighters. They are also military veterans who have served their country.

Van Gerpen served a sergeant in the Marine Corps for four years.

"I was in the United States Marine Corps. I did aircraft rescue firefighting," described Van Gerpen.

Rodriguez served the Army, serving two tours in Iraq and earning a Purple Heart for his bravery.

"I did four years. I got in '02, got out in '06," Rodriguez said. "I went back into Iraq for all of '05, so January to January, and that's where I was injured in a roadside bomb IED. I got blown up with some shrapnel in my face. Everyone in the rig, including the colonel at the time, was hurt. We were doing some missions, but everyone made it," Rodriguez recalled.

The men say their military experience has taught them to remain calm under pressure and think strategically - qualities that have been crucial in fighting the Palisades Fire.

"I think that's why veterans make very good firefighters and police officers because we know what it's about, we're public servants," said Van Gerpen. "We go into the military because we love our country and want to serve our country. And then we join a public safety fire and police because we want to still be involved, support our community."

"You know you used to defend your country and now we're here in our country helping it be better," said Rodriguez. "It's rewarding but it's difficult at times."