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TARIN KOWT, Afghanistan – For most people, a trip to the store to buy a few needed items falls into one of two categories. It’s a routine act that requires little thought because such an event is so commonplace in our everyday lives. Or it falls under the “why did she wait till the middle of the football game to need these things doesn’t she know it’s the playoffs” point of view.
Now imagine that trip to the corner store for a few items on your list were in Afghanistan. Suddenly the oh-so-routine trip is a major operation.
Soldiers from 1st Squadron 2nd Cavalry Regiment, stationed at Multi-National Base Tarin Kowt, recently made a foray into the base’s namesake town with a list of items to purchase. The mission was two-fold. The War Eagles wanted to buy some much needed items as well as show the merchants and residents of Tarin Kowt that they are here for more than just combat operations.
“We showed the population that we care enough to come to them and shop directly on their economy.” said 1st Lt. Mark Melchi. “And more importantly we did it without fear and with the ANP showing that they are securing us and not the other way around.”
The soldiers that participated in the Squadron shopping spree rode into town in their Stryker’s but as soon as they hit the ground, up went the ramps and away went the vehicles leaving the soldiers on foot walking from store to store. Melchi said at first the locals were slightly wary of the soldiers’ presence in the market area, but warmed up quickly to them once the shopkeepers realized they were there to spend.
“When we entered our first shop locals quickly try to gather to see our purpose of our patrol.” Melchi said describing the beginning of their shopping odyssey. “As we started to purchase our list, locals quickly realized that we here to shop, and support the local economy, instantly locals’ posture turned form curious to excited.”
The visit to town also afforded the soldiers a chance to gauge the level of interest and sentiment about the upcoming elections scheduled for the middle of September. The troopers asked such questions as were the townsfolk aware of the upcoming elections (they were) and how did they feel about voting in them (overall they were excited).
Melchi said that for the most part the locals where very receptive and enjoyed their presence and they constantly tried to come up to the soldiers and talk to them with smiles on their faces. In turn the soldiers handed out pencils and coloring books to the kids, which in turn caused them to follow him for the entire trip hoping for more goodies.
The War Eagles also had high praise for the Afghan National Police on patrol during their buying spree. The ANP were constantly checking unattended motorcycles and parked cars in the areas where the soldiers headed to ensure there were no surprises from insurgents waiting for them.
After a little over two hours in the market, it was time to go. The soldiers, looking like they just returned from a Black Friday sale, loaded up in their Stryker’s and headed back to base. Not only were the soldiers happy with what they’d purchased, they were more than pleased with the effect it had on the locals as well.
“The low presence of force and no heavy vehicles in tow made a great impression to the local population.” Melchi said after they returned. “And it made great strides in changing their views of Americans in the area as well”.
| Date Taken: | 09.05.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 09.05.2010 12:21 |
| Story ID: | 55756 |
| Location: | TARIN KOWT, AF |
| Web Views: | 298 |
| Downloads: | 10 |
This work, No Ordinary Trip to the Store, by SSG John Wollaston, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
