Children followed the troops on nearly every street on which they walked.

At one house the sounds of “hello, hello” as well as traditional Arabic greetings from male members of the household emanated on the streets as the Comanches were welcomed into the courtyard of the residence.

In an adjacent house, a local artisan showed the troops his clay wares.

“These look like something you might find in an up-scale store in the states,” said Staff

Sgt. Halisaam Thompson, a squad leader with Comanche troop who hails from Philadelphia.

The man smiled proudly as an interpreter translated Thompson’s words into Arabic.

Upon entering the courtyard in another home in this farming community, a flock of sheep filed past the troopers. Date fruits, which are harvested in the area during Ramadan, were picked, placed in large plastic bags and stacked on the grass.

“You are welcome in my home, and thank you,” said the homeowner who greeted the troopers. The man, who had been picking dates, could not shake with his hand due to it being sore from picking the fruits that are eaten during the break from the Ramadan fast. He offered an apology through an interpreter for his inability to give the traditional greeting, but he did give the Soldiers the “thumbs up” sign."