Wathaha, a female camel that currently resides aboard Al Asad Air Base, was brought aboard the base to give U.S. servicemembers a chance to experience a small facet of Iraqi culture. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jo Jones)

AL ASAD AIR BASE

When Coalition troops requested a small piece of Iraqi culture to be brought to their base in Anbar province, Ali Nowaf Hemreen was quick to respond. He promptly purchased the camel near Rawah, and brought her here.

Once on base, Hemreen bought a tent and set up a small area for Wathaha in a shopping center parking lot. He said all of his purchases for the event totaled about 21 million Iraqi dinars, which converts to approximately $18,000 U.S.
Hemreen currently has the camel on display from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., and with a ten dollar bill, customers can get photos with Wathaha and go on a short camel ride around the parking lot.

The central idea of the project is to introduce U.S. servicemembers to one facet of Iraqi culture. Not only is Wathaha friendly and photogenic, but she is also a symbol of heritage.

People began using camels more than 3,000 years ago, and because of their ability to brave hot, dry climates, camels have played a vital role in Iraq’s deserts for many years.

“I think learning about and respecting the Iraqi culture is very important for reconciliation, because culture is what gives a nation an independent sense of national culture and identity,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Frank Wilkins, who serves as a supply clerk with Navy Mobile Construction Battalion 24. “Our efforts to understand one another show the Iraqis that we care about them, and we’re here to help with their newly found freedom.”

Hemreen hopes to bring even more of his culture to U.S. servicemembers in the near future.

“I am only allowed to have the camel here for three weeks,” said Hemreen. “I would like to keep her here longer and maybe even set up an Iraqi coffee shop where customers can come to play dominoes.”

He is currently submitting the paperwork and waiting to find out if his dreams will become a reality.

But servicemembers don’t have to take a photo with a camel to show their gratitude and respect for their host nation. Everyday actions can speak volumes.

“Just be friendly, smile and shake their hands,” said Wilkins. “We can show them the same respect they show us.”

(By Cpl. Meg Murray, Multi-National Force – West)