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Taking markets back one bubble at a time

Courtesy Photo | Sgt. Ben Rohan, a native of Crofton, Md., hands out bubble gum to children outside...... read more read more

IRAQ

09.07.2008

Courtesy Story

3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

By Capt. Clint Rusch
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

BEIDHA'A, Iraq – "Say please," implored Sgt. Ben Rohan, a Crofton, Md., native, to the children gathering outside him at Mahmud's Chai and Hookah Shop in central Al-Beidha'a as he handed out pieces of bubble gum.

A few feet away, Cpl. Keith Hanson, a Tolley, N.D., native, handed out Hot Wheels cars to the children – cars that were donated by children in Kansas and sent around the world for distribution to the Iraqi youngsters.

The two non-commissioned officers were a part of the headquarters element of Team STEEL, Company C, 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, which had conducted a dismounted patrol to the shop with the intent of paying out a microgrant to the shop's owner.

While there however, Rohan and Hanson took the opportunity to, as Rohan put it, "interact with the locals in our immediate area and get a vibe on how they're feeling about us."

Inside, Capt. Todd Looney, of Irving, Texas, talked with men about soccer as they watched the France versus Brazil game on the TV in Mahmud's corner. Looney laughed with them as they were served chai tea and puffed away on lemon-flavored hookah tobacco.

"One of the most positive things that we've discovered from our interactions with Mahmud is that our presence has actually increased his business because the local populace feels that the area is more secure," said Looney, who serves as the commander of Team STEEL.

Team STEEL's headquarters element tries to maintain a presence at Mahmud's on a weekly basis.

"It's a good opportunity to both gain intelligence and to just play with the kids and show them that we're good people," Rohan said.

The Soldiers have, on several occasions, made important contacts with residents over the dominoes table or a game of fifty-one, a popular Iraqi card game – and one that Looney and his interpreter excel at.

"We're pretty dominant, I'll say that," laughs Looney, in talking about his record at the game. "But we're always looking for that team that will give us a challenge."

Less than a year ago, market intimidation, extortion and criminal and militia activity were prevalent in the area. But today, the market shows signs that those problems have been mitigated.

"I think the fact that Mahmud's business is up is indicative that extortion and intimidation are waning in the area," said Looney. "But at the same time, we have to be very vigilant and maintain these relationships with businesses."

For the men providing security while Looney conducts the subtly nuanced diplomacy inside, however, it's a matter of just connecting with the locals.

"When you go out on these types of missions, you see that regardless of language or nationality. Kids are just kids, and just like back home in America, they love Hot Wheels and bubble gum," said Hanson