Courtesy Photo | Col. James E. Grayson, Mehmet Katar and Fatos Sahin cut the ribbon for the opening of...... read more read more
Sgt. Patricia Tso
101st Sustainment Brigade
Q-WEST BASE COMPLEX, Iraq - A ribbon-cutting ceremony recognized the grand opening of the Katar Plaza here March 5.
"I have been waiting over a year for this day to come," said Mehmet Katar, owner of Katar Plaza, minutes before the ceremony was to begin.
During the ceremony, Fatos Sahin, manager, delivered a brief speech to Soldiers who patiently waited for doors to open. Col. James E. Grayson, commander, 153rd Field Artillery Brigade (Forward), from Mesa, Ariz., assisted Katar in the ribbon cutting.
The Katar Plaza is an addition to the growing population of retailers and allows Soldiers to purchase items such as jewelry, fabric, rugs, leather and glassware.
Some of the same items are available at other locations to include the Troya Turkish Mall, De Ja Vu, Seven Eleven, Red Leg Shop, The Club and Old Bill's General Store; all of which carry their own merchandise. Some of the retailers have been serving Soldiers since they first occupied the base when the war began.
Shops like the Troya Turkish Mall features a Turkish restaurant, which is located near the dining facility while others like De Ja Vu, recently extended their business by opening a new barber and beauty shop. The base also has a barber shop where soldiers can get a free haircut, which is located next to the Red Leg Shop.
"Soldiers will most likely shop at those closest to their living area," said Capt. Jesse Ballenger, Q-West Base Complex retail manager. Ballenger, an Arizona native, ensures both parties of the retail world are content and satisfied.
The Army and Air Force Exchange Services, or AAFES, also has a history here at Q-West Base Complex. The post exchange, or PX, first opened in July 2005 after months of renovation and reconstruction to the building.
"We were supposed to open in June 2005, but the merchandise never made it here," said Ana Cardenas, AAFES Manager from San Antonio, Texas. Cardenas has seen the PX go from its renovation stage to now and knows what it is like for Soldiers in need.
"Soldiers at the time were overwhelmed to see AAFES," said Cardenas. "They hugged us, kissed us and even offered to help us."
AAFES is working on expanding the PX in the near future to accommodate the Soldiers and civilian workers better.
For now, Soldiers enjoy Subway and Green Beans Coffee, both of which opened a month ago and are located in the vicinity of the PX. Green Beans Coffee changed its hours and is now open 24 hours.
"We plan to arrange for more seating areas," said Ballenger as he points to the table and chairs outside Subway.
Residents on Q-West may expect more changes and additions. New shops on the installation are still possibilities for the future.
| Date Taken: | 03.21.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 03.21.2006 08:26 |
| Story ID: | 5788 |
| Location: | QAYYARAH, IQ |
| Web Views: | 228 |
| Downloads: | 24 |
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