By Cpl. Michael Molinaro
2nd BCT PAO, 4ID
KARBALA, Iraq - Soldiers interacting with the local community can sometimes be a tense and risky task, uncertain of the feelings Iraqis may have toward Coalition Forces.
But in Karbala, the relationship is a healthy and friendly one.
Soldiers from Company F, 1st Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, took the time to meet and converse with local residents during a civil affairs mission Sunday.
While the CA team was conducting its business, the Soldiers conducted a dismounted patrol to survey the average prices of common goods sold by local vendors and gauge the response of local nationals to the American Soldiers in the area, said 1st Lt. Thomas Gromus, executive officer, Co. F, 1-67 AR.
The patrol consisted of five Soldiers and an interpreter, who mingled with locals for more than an hour, handing out candy purchased from a vendor to children who gathered around the Soldiers. The Soldiers engaged locals in cheerful conversation, and several Soldiers even joined in some soccer games.
"It felt good to know that the people of Karbala enjoyed some positive interaction with American Soldiers," said Gromus.