Seabees Embark on 'Bread and Benches' Mission in Iraq

Courtesy Photo | Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 24 pose with Iraqi bakers at a flatbread bakery in Baghdadi, Iraq, April 11, 2009. The improvised bakery is located near an Iraqi army unit to whom the bakers provide a daily supply of bread.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

06.09.2009

Courtesy Story

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 24

BAGHDADI, Iraq - Sailors of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 24, while on a recent project in Baghdadi, Iraq, were able to take a break from their task at hand to experience some of the local culture and promote goodwill between the Iraqi people and coalition forces.

Aided by an interpreter, the Seabees visited a local flat bread bakery. The bakery operated by local citizens. What made the bakery unique was that it had been built into the side of a Hesco barrier wall.

Utilitiesman 2nd Class James McIntyre coined the title, "The Hesco Bakery", upon their arrival at the bakery. Hescos are large cloth bags surrounded by heavy-duty wire mess, and when filled with hundreds of pounds of dirt and gravel, are used to impromptu walls and barriers.

The Iraqis gave the Seabees a tour of their improvised bakery, and demonstrated how a simple mixture of water, flour, and salt can be pounded and tossed onto a flat cushion with a hard wood backing. The wooden backing is vital in allowing the bread to be slapped onto the side of the furnace for baking. The bread is then peeled away from the furnace wall, and placed on a table for cooling before being distributed to Iraqi army forces operating in the area.

"It's amazing how simple flour and water is so delicious" stated Construction Electrician 1st Class Robert Liberale after the experience.

During the cultural experience, the team of Seabees observed that the men, who produce approximately 1,700 flatbreads daily, had only broken plastic lawn chairs to sit in, one of which was nailed to the wall due to the leg being broken off.

In a display of goodwill and friendship, the Seabees utilized excess wood pieces, left from a previous project to build two benches to replace the well-worn chairs. The gratitude of the bakers was evident when as soon as the benches were delivered; the old worn chairs were quickly discarded from the bakery.

The Seabees enjoyed more bread and tea with the bakers, learning more about the culture and the men themselves, who hope to one day open a bakery in the United States.

The 'Bread and Benches' experience shows how personal and professional relations between the Iraqi people and coalition forces are continuously strengthened by simply taking the time to learn and understand aspects of both cultures.

• Date Taken: 06.09.2009
• Date Posted: 06.09.2009 07:13
• Story ID: 34772
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ