Navy Capt. John Dillender (right), economics and industrial advisor for Baghdad 5 Embedded Provincial Reconstruction Team, which operates north of the Iraqi capital with the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, mimics the sanding technique used by a furniture factory worker near Taji, Iraq Nov. 11. The Henning, Tenn. native helped facilitate (200) pieces of furniture purchased from the State Company for Furniture Industry-Baghdad to be delivered to area schools. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Shejal Pulivarti, 1st BCT, 1st Cav. Div. PAO.

The Baghdad 5 Embedded Provincial Reconstruction Team (EPRT) attached to the 1st “Ironhorse” Brigade Combat Team (BCT), 1st Cavalry Division, purchased and picked up (200) pieces of furniture from the factory, with the facilitation assistance of Comanche Troop, 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, Nov. 11.

The workers excitedly showcased their finished pieces of decorative furnishings.  The plant manager stated they have come a long way, but there is much work to be completed before the plant is again fully operational.

The primary economic activity in Iraq is agrarian-based.

Coalition forces assessed (27) former state-owned enterprises.  The 1st BCT partnered with the EPRT to restart seven of them, based on their regional economic impact; one of which is the furniture factory.  To get the factory started, the brigade recently bought (50) pieces of four different styles of furniture.

“This furniture factory, when fully functioning, employs (250) people, but only a minimal staff remained over the years,” said Henning, Tenn., native Navy Capt. John Dillender, the economics and industrial advisor for Baghdad 5 EPRT.  “The emphasis on security enabled approximately (30) workers in total to be employed now.”

“We had a contract with them and it provided increased opportunities in employment, as well as an immediate cash infusion to the surrounding area, which in return allows the factory to operate,” Dillender said.  “Over time, with the improvements in the area, we expect more locals to return home and reestablish more businesses transitioning back to normalcy.  We like to see people working, having jobs and helping the economy.”

The furniture currently being stored at a nearby combat outpost is planned to be distributed between schools, government buildings and micro-finance loan offices located in the Taji region, Dillender said.

Recent reconciliation efforts have provided a safer and more secure area, enabling the Ironhorse Brigade to shift from their primary focus from security to providing vital services, rebuilding and assisting the Iraqi-led communities to become self-sustaining.

“There is great support and enthusiasm from the populace as they want safety, prosperity and a chance for a better life,” said Jacksonville, Fla., native Tom Burke, team leader of Baghdad Five EPRT.  “More are looking for small business opportunities, public works projects or going back to farming and agricultural production.”