Posted on 07/29/2004 4:00:54 PM PDT by wimpycat
DIYALA PROVINCE -- North Carolina National Guard Soldiers have had almost five months to get used to life in Iraq. One adjustment they have had to make is figuring out how to get a decent haircut. They did not have to look far. At a tiny barber shop set up outside Camp Cobra, soldiers with the 30th Heavy Separate Brigade keep their hair cut within military regulations with the help of a Mazin Ali. At a tiny barber shop set up outside Camp Cobra, soldiers with the 30th Heavy Separate Brigade keep their hair cut within military regulations with the help of a local barber. Mazin Ali made his way to the camp after a few too many close shaves with insurgents in Baghdad for very little money. "It's very easy, just walk next door. He does a good job," Spc. Ronnie Morgan of Moore County said. Ali's skills with a set of clippers have become well known among the ranks of the 30th Brigade. "It's a lot easier than having to go shave your head in the mirror," said Spc. Tommy Lowe of Moore County. The shop is a money maker for Ali and a bargain for troops. Ali says before setting up shop he was making about $5 a day. Now, he charges $3 a cut and makes a few extra dollars in tips. Ali has about 20 to 30 customers a day. "I think I'll come back. I think he's cheaper than the guys I get my hair cut at," Sgt. Richard Ross said. Stateside, the haircuts would cost between $10 to $15. Ali was a barber for eight years in Baghdad. He says his uncle taught him the ropes.
(Excerpt) Read more at wral.com ...
What a nice story.
You gotta ping list handy?
Good National Guard In Iraq Story PING.
This has been heard thru the Guard channels as recent as a few months ago - seems to me that good old entrepreneurial spirit is alive in Iraq, now!
Arabs don't lack the entrepreneurial spirit (I think Arab immigrants own just about all the Subway restaurants in Raleigh), but now in Iraq they have a lot more opportunities, and with our military around, many customers with lots of money to throw around. Small businessmen being small businessmen, the U.S. military is a good moneymaking opportunity for many of them, especially barbers. Barbers tend to do well in military towns.
I just hope this guy doesn't get his head blown off for assisting the coalition.
Thanks for using your ping list. I don't post often enough to have one of my own.
Seeing this article reminded me of the countless number of barber shops on Lejeune Blvd. in Jacksonville. And tattoo parlors. And pawn shops. And stereo equipment stores. And bars. And other, shall we say, more nefarious entrepreneurial endeavors. :-)
Me, too.
Ain't capitalism amazing??? Let the markets and economic forces work freely and WOW!!! What a GREAT story...
iraq news - PING
http://freedomstruth.blogspot.com
bump to the top
NC ping ... our troops support free enterprise!
So I went to this Viet barber and got with the program, 1/8 of an inch on the sides and a 1/4 inch on top, and a shave. I went to the local drinking establisment for some refreshment and an MI dude complemented me on my improved appearence and where I got the do.
I said, "From the gook on MSR 1 as you take the turn going to the base camp.
The MI dude said, "Did you know his Kid was killed in an ambush last night?"
I said "No."
The night before I lead an ambush patrol that had the only contact in the area.
Cool story - thanks for the ping Sarge!
Ouch.
That took a lot to tell me that, did it not? Thank you.
How sad. My father was in Vietnam shortly after your time. His name is Bill, too! God bless you, and thank you for serving.
Bump!
My Grand Daughter (5) and I were rehearsing, Rats are evil, Kerry is a Rat, Kerry is an evil Rat, GO Bush.
Arn't Grand Kid fun?
Notoriety is nice for those anonymous people who normally do what they do without any praise at all, but it shouldn't get them killed, either. I hope Iraq can bring the insurgency to justice.
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