Posted on 09/05/2009 7:51:41 PM PDT by SandRat
Mr. Ali Jadaan, a local contractor in Scania, Iraq, welcomed members of the Oregon Army National Guard into his home recently for a pre-Ramadan feast. Photo by Spc. Anita VanderMolen, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team.
SCANIA — Ali Jadaan, a local shaykh and contractor here, recently hosted members of the Oregon National Guard for a pre-Ramadan feast prepared by his family.
"There was a lot of food, a lot of variety," said Capt. Charles Ellis, Alpha Company, 2-162 Infantry. "It was definitely harvest time with all the fresh fruit there. It was very nice."
The guests enjoyed 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.
The relationship between Scania and Jadaan is a complimentary one. Each provides the other with a service they need.
Jadaan 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 Jadaan and his workers. Jadaan’s relationship with the military is beneficial to the company's mission.
"Mr. Ali provides an Iraqi insight for us," 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. 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."
Did he tell everyone that Ramadan is also a time of jihad?
Good food. Bad religion.
Hmmm, interesting there were no enlisted soldiers quoted...
I know.
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