Everywhere we stopped there were merchants trying to sell just about anything to Americans with U.S. dollars. They would strike a bargain and press continuously for an item that may only cost a dollar. Popular items were Iraqi bayonets, helmets, and uniforms from the old regime.
We had landed in Babylon to refuel. The crew shut the bird down and went to grab something to eat while it was being refueled. Several of us decided to go pay a visit to the merchants. There was a literal cardboard city set up near the perimeter of the base. There were rows of makeshift storefronts. Jewelry, games, knives, and medals at every stop. The merchants would literally follow you around offering various items, asking what we were interested in.
There was one merchant that sat with a smile on his face that didn’t act as aggressive. These were usually the merchants that we enjoyed dealing with the best. He had handmade scarves, prayer caps, and other items. I noticed that he wore a patch over his right eye and that he was missing his right hand. I greeted him in Arabic, and a young man with him translated for us. He told me that the man had garments for sale for one dollar each. I asked the young man if I could ask the older gentleman how he received his wounds. He told me that the old man had refused to be a Baathist and that Saddam’s officials had his right eye gouged out and then cut off his right hand. Before that he had been an official in the government.
I bought a scarf and a prayer cap from him. I paid him, placed my right hand over my heart and thanked him for his time and then extended my right hand. He shook it and with a smile on his face replied in kind. I don’t know if his grin was over the sale or the respect I paid him. Respect was something that he had not received from his own country, but would receive from countless of Americans, Polish, and El Salvadoran soldiers that would pass by his booth.
Leaders honor the individual worth of every person with dignity and respect. When this is communicated in action and word it empowers individuals. Respect is core to the military. Whether between teammates, both commissioned and non-commissioned officers, and their men, or with the local population we are trying to serve and protect, it is a vital component and mission enabler.
Dear Lord, with the world at our doorstep, including many who have been oppressed, help us walk in love. Please give us opportunities to show love, concern, and respect to them. Fill us, Holy Spirit, with your comfort, solace, and love.
“And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.” (2 John 6)