Iraqi citizens, U.S. Soldiers boost economy

Georgians, Texans, Iraqis open local international market outside Camp Adder

Published on December 20, 2005 By ShadowWar In Current Events

CAMPADDER — Soldiers of Georgia’s 48th Brigade Combat Team and of Texas’ 56th Brigade Combat Team created a legacy that reflected their southern hospitality. The National Guard Soldiers and the people
of the Al Gazi Tribe opened an international market outside Camp Adder – Talil that is the first independent market to open in the area since the fall of Saddam, said Al Gazi tribal chieftain, Sheik Ali Al Manshad.

“I am confident that this will be a continuation of the cooperation experienced by the Iraqi people of this region and the American Forces,” he said.” It will be convenient for Soldiers to get the things they need for themselves and their families at home, without having to venture far from the base. It will also be
positive economically toward our financial independence,” he said.

Last minute storefront adjustments, and reassessing inventory, were an indication of the anxiousness local entrepreneurs felt as they prepared for their new customers. The bustle of preparation was underplayed by the solid reaffirmation of friendship just outside the protective barriers.

Col. Victor Maccagnan, 16th Corps Support Group commander, officiated the market opening with the
56th BCT commander, Col. James Brown. Brown expanded on the relationships Soldiers shared in rebuilding the former dictatorship’s air defense stronghold and was visibly prideful in the joint efforts of the engineers of the respective brigades and the Al Gazi citizens.

“Sheik Ali and family members have actually fought alongside the coalition to overthrow Saddam … and have been wounded in battle,” Brown reminded the small gathering. “Throughout our time here the Al Gazi family has supported us. God has given us a beautiful day to open, and I believe this is a sign the market
will be successful, enshala.” En shala is an Arabic phrase meaning God willing.

A snip of the ribbon by the command dignitaries and Sheik Ali brought a flood of appreciative consumers and continued a tradition of camaraderie for the military and the people of this economically-stressed
Region. “I really do think it’s a nice cultural exchange,” said Staff Sgt. Fran Ellison, a food service supply noncommissioned officer for the 48th and Rex, Ga. native. She took advantage of the afternoon to share tea
and a smile with her friend, Sheik Saad Al-Manshad.

“When people shop here they can have something tangible to show back home, like I am enjoying this tea with my friend. They can see that and be able to share that,” she said. Engineers from the 220th Corps Support Engineer Company, 648th Engineer Battalion, 48th Brigade Combat Team celebrated
the opening day by taking advantage of a few bargains. “I think (the Ur International Market) will
help reinforce community ties a great deal,” said 1st Sgt. Karry Friedmeyer, the 220th’s
top enlisted Soldier.

“It will help the economy here and help our Soldiers by giving them a bit more variety,” he said.

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