Show them the money

Courtesy Photo | Iraqi workers cut metal for shelving at the Golden Company, located at Camp Liberty, Iraq, Aug 20, 2008. The Company was started in 2002, and is owned by Mr. Mahmood Nassrallah, a local Iraqi businessman, who employs 62 Iraqis. The 553d Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 1st Sustainment Brigade, has spent more than $21,000 at the Golden Company and according to one of the managers there, all of the money goes to support the local population both directly and indirectly.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

08.24.2008

Courtesy Story

1st Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade

By 1st Lt. Melissa Schneider
1st Sustainment Brigade

CAMP LIBERTY– In the 1996 smash hit "Jerry Maguire" Cuba Gooding Jr. made famous the phrase "Show me the money," and would later go on to win an Oscar for best supporting actor as the disgruntled wide receiver Rod Tidwell. While I'm not anticipating winning an Oscar any time soon, my job as the 553d Combat Sustainment Support Battalion's supply operations officer is to manage the battalion's funds and "Show Iraqi contractors the Money."

Management of the battalion's money, whether it be through contracting or the Field Ordering Officer funds, is arguably the most critical component in ensuring mission requirements are met; not only at our level, but also on a much larger scale in supporting the Iraqi economy. With that said, I decided recently to pay a visit to several of our vendors to get a firsthand look at their operation.

My first stop was at the American Service Center. The ASC was one of the first companies to start operations after the war in Iraq began and their "whatever it takes" motto has proved itself as they continue to provide quick support to meet the short suspenses imposed on them by our battalion.

"ASC employs about 20 Iraqis," stated Mr. Fernandez, the general manager for ACS. "Moreover, since ASC is a construction and trading company, an increasing number of local nationals are being employed to fulfill the demanding transportation and material handling requirements."

"The U.S. Army is helping to improve Iraq," said Mr. Donal, a native of India and the director of operations for ACS. "They are integrating the locals in the workforce and by the increase in human rights, as well as, giving freedom and justice to the people."

On a more quantifiable scale, the 553d CSSB, 1st Sustainment Brigade, has spent more than $46,000 with ASC since arriving in March 2008, and a significant portion of that money finds its way back into Iraqi hands.

The Golden Company, located in West Liberty, is another company the 553d CSSB relies on to purchase needed materials to meet mission requirements. Established in 2002, the Golden Company is owned by an Iraqi named Mahmood Nassrallah, who began serving the coalition forces in 2003 and employs over 60 Iraqis.

Over the past three months, the 553d CSSB has spent more than $21,000 at the Golden Company and according to one of the managers there, all of the money goes to support the local population both directly and indirectly.

"All vendors that the Golden Company uses are in Baghdad and nearby suburbs," stated Nassrallah.

The 553d CSSB also works closely with the Sana Beirut Company. The Sana Beirut Company was established in 2002 in Baghdad and currently employs over 100 Iraqis. I spoke to Mr. Ziad Al-Windawi, the managing director for the company and also a local of Iraq. He explained that the Iraqis are provided a good working environment where they are afforded healthcare and insurance.

"Since the United States military has taken control of Baghdad, the salaries of the Iraqi workers have increased from $10 to $50 per day, while working less hours within the Sana Beirut Company," explained Al-Windawi.

Additionally, the Sana Beirut Company has recently contracted for 130 more Iraqi local nationals for work on the Victory Base Complex. This contract will employ unskilled laborers starting in August 2008. Our battalion supports the Sana Beirut Company by managing a contract worth over $45,000.

Although loop holes do exist and Iraqis may not always get their fair share, companies such as ASC, Golden's, and Sana Beirut have improved the income and quality of life for many Iraqis. Furthermore, local Iraqis and businessmen such as Mr. Nassrallah and Mr. Al-Windawi support the coalition forces and their efforts to improve the country of Iraq. Through joint projects between Iraqi businesses and the US Military, the 553d CSSB is truly "showing Iraqis the money."

• Date Taken: 08.24.2008
• Date Posted: 08.24.2008 09:14
• Story ID: 22811
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ