Shakin' with the Sheik

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Anita Stratton | Mr. Ali Jadaan, a local contractor in Scania, welcomed members of Alpha Company 2-162 IN, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Oregon National Guard, into his home for a pre-Ramadan feast. The feast was also an invitation for the new command of A Co. to sit and have a non-business meeting. The meal consisted of chicken and rice, soups, fresh fruits and vegetables, pickled vegetables, and dates.  

IRAQ

09.02.2009

Story by Spc. Anita Stratton 

41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team

Members of Alpha Company, 2-162 Infantry, Oregon National Guard, had the opportunity to go outside the wire and participate in a Pre-Ramadan feast given by a local resident, Aug. 19.

Mr. Ali Jadaan, a local sheik and contractor in Scania invited the command staff of Alpha Co, Capt. Charles Ellis and Lt. Mark Major, and others to the feast prepared by his family.

"There was a lot of food, a lot of variety," Capt. Ellis said. "It was definitely harvest time with all the fresh fruit there. It was very nice."

The guests tasted a chicken and rice, meat and rice wrapped in grape leaves, soups, pickled vegetables, flat bread, fresh fruits and vegetables, and dates.

"He tries to do this with every new command," said Maj. Dale Coparanis, the 167th CSSB Public Affairs Officer and feast attendee.

The relationship between Scania and Mr. Ali is a complimentary one. Each provides the other with a service they need.

Mr. Ali is a construction contractor for Scania. His company has built the firing range, a trash removal system and burn pit,and guard towers. They take care of maintenance and repair of the HESCO barriers and cleaning and servicing the motor pool areas. The local national marketplace was also built by Mr. Ali and his workers. Mr. Ali's relationship with the military is beneficial to the company's mission.

"Mr. Ali provides an Iraqi insight for us," Capt. Ellis said. "He is able to locate parts and materials on the Iraqi economy that we could not otherwise find. His contract work is substantially less than KBR's. He does on-the-spot details."

Alpha Co. provides immediate and quick reaction to the surrounding area when rockets or mortars are fired at the area. They respond to incidents outside the base protecting the villages from possible attacks and providing security and safety to people in the area. They also work with the Iraqi police and the Iraqi army when these incidents occur.

The means are different but the goal is the same: to improve Iraq.

"I was impressed. They are very eager to help us," Ellis said. "They want to help get their nation built and on the right track. I think in a few years you aren't even going to recognize Iraq anymore. It will improve that much."

Mr. Ali Jadaan has been working with Scania Base for six years.

"He's definitely not going back to raising melons and cucumbers like he did before," said Ellis.

• Date Taken: 09.02.2009
• Date Posted: 09.02.2009 08:31
• Story ID: 38272
• Location: IQ