By Spc. Ruth McClary
BAGHDAD — A businessman from Risalah, in southern Baghdad's Rashid District, recently renovated his grocery store after receiving a U.S. military-sponsored micro-grant.
Sameen purchased shelves, an awning, a freezer, refrigerator, painting supplies and food to stock his shelves. "Before the renovations, the store was absolute garbage; the food on the shelves was out-of-date and the supplies were limited," said 1st Lt. John Burt. "Now it looks like a regular little store.
During a joint mission, Oct.1, Burt, along with partnered IFP HQ across the street from Sameen's store, dropped by to congratulate Sameen on the upgrades he made with his micro-grant funds. "I was surprised when I walked up to see all the changes he made," said Burt. "We'd driven by a few times and saw the new paint on the outside, but when we walked up, there was lighting and a/c inside and fresh supplies for the community. He did exactly what he said he'd do with the money."
U.S. troops asked Sameen if he could remove plastic toy handguns stocked at the store as part of a turn-in weapon campaign. The toys are difficult to distinguish at first glance from real weapons on the street. Sameen understood and said he would get rid of them.
"This is an example of how a micro-grant can greatly impact the community by providing assistance to a local business and gaining rapport for the IFP and U.S. forces working in Risalah," Burt said.
