From MNF-I, ‘Denali’ Squadron distributes seed to farmers.
AL RASHEED — Soldiers and community leaders distributed thousands of pounds of garden and farming seeds to the al-Rasheed Farmers Union Sept. 6.The civil affairs team from 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, currently attached to 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Inf. Div., coordinated the distribution with the members of the al-Rasheed Farmers Union.
Seeds included tomato, pepper, and watermelon. The seed distribution was the first in more than a month, and the civil affairs team stepped back to let local union leaders run most of the distribution.
“The goal is to get (Farmer’s Union members) independent and doing this without us,” said Capt. Kenneth Guglielmina, 1-40th Cav. Regt. civil affairs team leader.
To be eligible to receive seeds, residents had to have an identification card and show proof that they were landowners.
About 20 al-Rasheed residents showed up to receive seed; the rest will be sold by the Farmers Union.
The leadership of 1-40th Cav. Regt. is hoping the al-Rasheed Farmers Union will develop into a self-sustaining business that grows in the community.
“This is important to the economy,” said Maj. John Hixson, 1-40th Cav. Regt. executive officer. “If they manage their resources it can be effective to all the members of the union.”
If the al-Rasheeed union is successful, the civil affairs team is hoping more unions can be formed in nearby communities.
“The intent is to get a separate Farmers Union in Arab Jabour and perhaps Hawr Rajab,” Guglielmina said.
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