Army Reserve Officer Manages Vendors with Kindness, Understanding and an Iron Fist
By Master Sgt. Jack Gordon

BAGHDAD, Iraq (August 2004) – Maj. Annette Dawson’s job isn’t easy. Today she has to meet with the second wife of a bazaar vendor who was killed in a robbery after he left the Green Zone. She feels badly for the needless loss of his life, but still has to settle what estate the vendor had remaining at the bazaar she oversees and manages.

Before she can even get through the gates, she spots a group of small children. She singles one out, lifts his t-shirt, withdraws a half-dozen pornographic CDs and breaks them into pieces. The children, aware of who she is and what she represents, don’t utter a word or offer any resistance.

BAZAARLADY … Maj. Annette Dawson, 478th Civil Affairs Bn., discusses business with two of her vendors in the Green Zone Bazaar. Dawson manages the lively market located near the Presidential Palace. Photo by Master Sgt. Jack Gordon

The wife of the deceased vendor arrives and through her interpreter, Dawson explains that the remaining estate elements at the bazaar will be divided equally between the wives, but in order to ensure an even division, both wives would have to be present.

Still, seeing the second wife yet in mourning reminds her of the recent tragedy. “People maybe think he was working with the coalition because they see an increase in spending and lifestyle,” said Dawson, the Special Projects Officer for the 478th Civil Affairs Bn. here, “but these people are just trying to make a living.”

Dawson is charged with the oversight and management of the popular bazaar located about two blocks away from the Presidential Palace that houses much of the Coalition’s organizational activity. As new vendors arrive and stalls are added, more soldiers visit the bazaar to shop. It may be the vendor’s stall, but it’s Dawson ’s territory.

“I maintain supervision of the market and ensure the vendors are operating within the guidelines and standards of the Coalition authority and Iraqi people,” Dawson said. “Other than that, I just try to be honest and fair.”

The market features a surprising array of useful and eclectic ware — CDs and DVDs, watches, handmade rugs and bags, soft drinks, ice cream, and gold jewelry. And if the vendors don’t have something a shopper wants, they go get it.

“I came here for a circular saw,” said staff Sgt. David Patterson, a regular shopper at the bazaar. “If you need something, you just tell one of the vendors what you want – sometimes we go online and get a picture of it for them. Then they go into Baghdad and get it for you, and bring it here. Their prices are reasonable – about what you’d pay at home.”

The place draws an ever-increasing crowd of locals, military coalition forces, contract workers and government employees flowing up and down the single aisle that is sandwiched between twin rows of wood stalls. There is no rental fee assessed for space, and more than 300 workers man the stalls.

Supply and demand have always formed the cornerstone of successful centers of commerce, and the bazaar is no exception. “This is the first week we’ve sold melons,” said Dawson , “and now we’ll get more fruits and vegetables, so it works best for everyone.”

Dawson is an educator from Hobbs , New Mexico , and also serves as the U.S. military liaison for the Women’s Center in Baghdad , where she champions the struggle for gender equality and equal opportunity. She tries to encourage Iraqi women to move toward the future and join the workforce.

“They’ve lived under these traditional roles for a long time,” Dawson said, “but as times change … these roles must change. I’m proud to be helping these women. I would like to see some of them get a small business going from this.” She is always watching for those vendors who may be ready to make such a step and refers them to the Iraqi Business Center for further assistance.

From Patterson’s perspective, the bazaar also provides people with a much-needed place to unwind.

“It’s a relaxed atmosphere and offers a change of pace,” said Patterson. “It’s a great place to interact with others and get a little R&R (Rest and Relaxation) away from the line. People need to take time to care for themselves. It’s like a battery – you can’t keep running and running it without a recharge.”

As the duty day begins to close out, foot traffic down the center aisle picks up. Somewhere outside the Green Zone, a mortar round explodes, reminding everyone of the deadly reality yet alive and well in Iraq.

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