Posted on 11/17/2009 4:38:28 PM PST by SandRat
Soldiers, civilian workers and visiting actors Jeffrey Donovan (left) and Bruce Campbell (far right), of the USA show Burn Notice, enjoy a charity bazaar hosted by the Daughters of Iraq at Combat Outpost Meade, Nov. 13. Photo by Sgt. Robert Jordan, 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team.
BAGHDAD — The Daughters of Iraq, a national womens' organization here, held a bazaar on Combat Outpost Meade to raise money for local widows and orphans, Nov. 13.
Soldiers of the 113th Field Artillery Battalion's Civil Affairs Team, based at the COP, hosted the bazaar that featured the work of several female Baghdad-area artists and tailors.
"It is a sorority for charity, the money spent helps more than 400 local widows," said Selma el-Taai, president of the Daughters of Iraq Mahmudiyah chapter.
Handmade rugs of all types and colors, jewelry, prayer beads, handbags, decorative tea sets, scarves, head coverings, oil paintings of modern and historic Iraq, traditional garb, plaques and other items were for sale.
"It shows our ability as artists, painters and tailors,” said Fasion, an artist from Baghdad. “We can earn a living and show the Iraqi people what we can do."
Several dozen shoppers, including visiting actors Jeffrey Donovan and Bruce Campbell of the USA show, "Burn Notice,” enjoyed the special event. The two actors were visiting the COP as part of a Morale, Welfare and Recreation tour.
Soldiers stood around the tables trying on clothes, holding up jewelry, asking about prices and haggling the merchants for a better deal. In the end, both merchant and customer were satisfied, as Soldiers posed for pictures to send back home holding up their bargains.
"I bought a unique handmade shawl for my sister," said 1st Lt. Clifton Gauldin, of Raleigh, N.C. "They had some nice stuff over there; it is good to be able to get a local made item."
Many members of the Daughters of Iraq have attended recent workshops on how to run their own business and improve their skills for events like this.
Interaction between local citizens and the Soldiers was also a goal of the bazaar.
"It improves the bond between the U.S. and Iraqi people," said Fasion.
The artists said they were happy the Soldiers bought items to mail home to family and friends as souvenirs of their deployment to Iraq.
"It is a chance to show Iraqi skill, art, culture and heritage," said Samara, a painter from Baghdad.
Awesome stuff! Thanks for your diligence in reporting the things that really matter. You ROCK!
‘Face
Our Soldiers Rock!
I just see that their story gets told.
My grandson is in Afghanistan. He has seen death first hand. But I know he has also seen that what he is doing is HELPING!!!
He could have stayed home on a medical, but preferred to be with his Band of Brothers.
I’m so proud of him, I can’t even express it. All the more reason to be grateful to you for seeing that the REAL NEWS is available to those of us who only wait.
Thanks, Sandy!
Thank you, Sandy. That is my favorite graphic of General George.
You are an awesome ally!
Thanks again!
‘Face
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