I have become interested in the subject of contractors in Iraq after reading a book called "Cindy In Iraq", which tells the tale of a woman trucker who left a bunch of bad decisions behind to go to Iraq to drive a truck.
Intriguing as the concept was, the book was a bit mediocre, but left me asking, who is Cindy Morgan? I mean, everyone has a book these days, I saw Monica Lewinsky's book at the Dollar Tree!
The purpose of this blog is to find out all I can and post it here - the good, the bad and the ugly.
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What are they you ask? Well my dear, they are the infrastructure that is there to support our troops. This was the idea of the government that runs this show. No, they are not all merceneries like the media talks about. Some are cooks, some are there just to do laundry. My husband went there as a Vector control supervisor. (Pest Control) There are sandflies there that carry a terrible disease. I have seen pictures of the wounds that this disease can cause and they are not pretty. So in a way he was there to protect our troops. He worked on the bases and did not go off of them except to leave for the trip home to visit or when transferring to another base. He was almost killed by an incoming mortar that nearly missed his truck. He could hear it whistleing through the air as it was closing in. He drove to the nearest bunker that he knew of and jumped out of the truck and dove into this 3 by 3 ft cement box just as it exploded. His ears rang for months afterwards and he had headaches. He changed positions to Hazmat Coordinator and didn't expect his first job to be cleaning up blood and brains of a young soldier who committed suicide. He had seen horrible things happen even on base. He came home for a visit in June 2006 and three weeks later put a gun to his head. So you see, PTSD is real and effecting our contractors too. We were married 17 years and the man that came back wasn't someone I knew. He scared me. I had good reason to be afraid.
Have you read about some of the troops coming home and doing the same thing? Except they took their spouses with them. By the way this happened to me before I ever heard about the other stories. I just don't want you to think I'm just another con. Another thing, he didn't go over there because of plain greed either. We have a daughter and he wanted to be able to send her to college. He didn't want her to struggle like we had to do because our parents couldn't help us. His heart was in the right place..So now there are three lives lost. His, mine and our daughters. Sure we are here but we are still lost and wandering, missing a big part of our life and dreams. Who will walk her down the aisle now? When you see the pain, emotional pain in your childs eyes and know you can't fix it, it is almost unbearable. I was at a terrible point in my life when I found the American Contractors in Iraq web site. They have made me feel not so alone any more. Knowing someone cares has turned my life around. Oh yeah, Why the title javajena? Sounds very snippy to me. Like you have it out for Jana. I'd change it so people didn't think you were just some wacko on a mission to try and destroy someone elses integrity.
Hey Java-JENA
I tried to look at your "all about me" profile. There is nothing there. What is that about? Also, just because you didn't like a book you read, written on one persons experience doesn't mean everyones experience is the same. Everyone of us on this earth are different. There are a lot of sad stories out there. REALLY sad stories where children have lost their parent and a spouse has lost their other half. If you have a problem with the author of the book and think her wonton ways were immoral than just say it. You have the right to voice your opinion. However I am asking you to try and remember their are people out here that are suffering from their losses. Compassion will take you a long way in life. People listen to it more than negativity.
Ok
It is hard to find someone that does not want to be found. I am Big Daddy Frank and I have a blog on this site now too. The reality is everyone has their own agendas, what are yours -- javajena?
Read my blog, the conference is real. I have no reason to tell stories, I was there.........
Big Daddy Frank
www.old-school-american.com
Big Daddy Frank’s Blog Talk Radio Show’s Update 10/15/07.
I understand that everyone has different feelings about contracting, but the injured need your help. Did you know that there has been an increase in PTSD Related Cases and the Suicide Rate? Did you know that there are over 14,500 civilian contractor injury cases filed from the Middle East? Did you know that 70% of those cases filed are being held up by AIG, our workers compensation carrier, or delayed? It is an old story. Insurance companies will do whatever they can to save money. Look at your homeowners, auto, or health insurance, the stories are similar. I have been hurt by AIG for the past two years. I have nothing against KBR. I would go back to work for them if I were “Medically Cleared.” This is important and should be to other contractors regardless of whether they were hurt or not! Please, let’s put aside any differences and try to understand, we are not just cry babies. This conference is step in the right direction; at one point I hope civilian contractors will have a national group like the VFW, PBA, FOP, or Red Cross to represent & support them.
The Veterans & Contractors Conference on Oct. 27th is going great and we need everyone’s support. John Bootie, who is running for President in 2008, will be speaking at 12 noon. He will be talking about his campaign for Change in America. He will also address the many problems that veterans & contractors face after coming home from the war.
Politics is important and we all have to do our parts. I will also keep pushing my support all civilian contractor’s on my radio show. Then on Wednesday Oct 17th at 3pm est., I will continue my talk with John Bootie. On Friday Oct 19th at 3pm est., I will be speaking to Mike Psak who is running for Senate in Chicago. They represent the grassroots movement sweeping across our nation. Listen, call-in, or debate us on current issues and concerns. In the following week I will do a Live Show from the Conference and Interviews with guest or visitors? I will also have a special interview with Jim King who is running for the District 5 Congressional Seat in Florida. He has strong believes in our Military, God, Family, Patriotism, Security, and Securing Our Borders.
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Thanks so much for speaking the truth. I worked as a trucker in Iraq and was shot at, rocked, and IED'd several times. Yet I am adjusting just fine at home. And yes, I made a boat load of money. I am not too proud of that considering the Iraqi people are so poor and could have used the money far more than us. I still remember seeing Iraqi truckers lined up for fuel or stopped in traffic jams because our convoy was busting through. It really makes me sick that so many contractors are now trying to cash in a second time by whining and complaining - yet they are living in an absolute heaven compare to the Iraqis.
What a spoiled, bratty culture we have here in the US. Keep up the good work and don't be afraid to speak the truth. There will always be haters like Cindy Morgan to attack you for speaking God's word. Bless you.
Can't believe the uneducated people out here? You think they are trying to CASH IN? You have a very sick mind....OH Cindy is now a hater, so what do you call yourself?
I may have started this blog but it was only to ask question to get the public educated and thinking!
God Bless our American Contractors in Iraq!
I'm so sorry barbasmajek and everyone, I don't know what I was thinking and you are so right!
Thank you!
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