Courtesy Photo | First Lt. Jesse Meyer sits down to get his haircut in a Shafiyah barbershop Dec. 21,...... read more read more
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Story by: 1st Lt. David Padgalskas and 1st Lt. Jesse Meyer
DIWANIYAH PROVINCE, Iraq – Life on a U.S. base in Iraq can feel strangely isolated from surrounding Iraqi communities.
So, when the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment arrived in Iraq, soldiers began wondering if there was anything they could do, outside of their normal missions, to help out the local communities in Iraq’s southern provinces.
Little did they know, their efforts would soon be helping a businessman in Shafiyah improve his barbershop by increasing business and helping stimulate economic development in the area.
“What is unique about projects like these is that it does not benefit just the barber shop and the community with a nicer business, but it also helps provide work for a local Iraqi contractor,” said Staff Sgt. Michael Gonzales, platoon sergeant with Howitzer battery, 3rd Squadron, 3rd ACR.
In December, through what is known as a “micro grant,” a project costing less than $5,000, Gonzales, along with soldiers from the 3rd platoon, were able to breathe new life into this local business by providing supplies to help the barbershop thrive.
Gonzales was able to hire a local Iraqi contractor to supply the barber shop with new tools, a new barber’s chair, new furniture and a generator to help power the establishment.
“More people are coming in to get their hair cut now,” said Abu Mohammed, the owner of the barber shop. “I am grateful for the help from our American friends. I am now busier than I was before and plan to continue providing my services to my community.”
As the soldiers of 3rd Platoon, wrapped up the project, they provided the shop’s first American client; 1st Lt. Jesse Meyer, the platoon leader, sat down for a haircut before departing.
“I was impressed with the work of Abu Mohammed,” said Meyer. “In fact, several of my soldiers are already asking to stop to get their hair cut at this business next time we pass through.”
In the wake of this project’s success, Gonzales has applications for similar projects to assist 10 more businesses in the same community.
| Date Taken: | 12.21.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 01.11.2011 05:24 |
| Story ID: | 63344 |
| Location: | DIWANIYAH PROVINCE, IQ |
| Web Views: | 79 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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