Did you know????

Various Sources from GNFI postings ^ | The Coalition Forces!

[Calpernia]

Did you know that 47 countries have reestablished their embassies in Iraq ?

Did you know that the Iraqi government employs 1.2 million Iraqi people?

Did you know that 3100 schools have been renovated, 364 schools are under rehabilitation, 263 schools are now under construction!

and 38 new schools have been built in Iraq?

Did you know that Iraqi higher educational structure consists of 20 Universities, 46 Institutes or colleges and 4 research centers?

Did you know that 25 Iraq students departed for the United States in January 2004 for the reestablished Fulbright program?

Did you know that the Iraqi Navy is operational?

They have 5- 100-foot patrol craft, 34 smaller vessels and a navel infantry regiment.

Did you know that Iraqi Air Force consists of three operation squadrons, 9 reconnaissance and 3 US C-130 transport aircraft which operate day and night, and will soon add 16 UH-1 helicopters and 4 bell jet rangers?

Did you know that Iraq has a counter-terrorist unit and a Commando Battalion?

Did you know that the Iraqi Police Service has over 55,000 fully trained and equipped police officers?

Did you know that there are 5 Police Academies in Iraq that produce over 3500 new officers each 8 weeks?

Did you know there are more than 1100 building projects going on in Iraq ?

They include 364 schools, 67 public clinics, 15 hospitals, 83 railroad ! stations, 22 oil facilities, 93 water facilities and 69 electrical facilities.

Did you know that 96% of Iraqi children under the age of 5 have received the first 2 series of polio vaccinations?

Did you know that 4.3 million Iraqi children were enrolled in primary school by mid October?

Did you know that there are 1,192,000 cell phone subscribers in Iraq and phone use has gone up 158%?

Did you know that Iraq has an independent media that consist of 75 radio stations, 180 newspapers and 10 television stations?

Did you know that the Baghdad Stock Exchange opened in June of 2004? Did you know that 2 candidates in the Iraqi presidential election had a recent televised debate in their country recently?

OF COURSE WE DIDN'T KNOW! WHY DIDN'T WE KNOW? OUR MEDIA WOULDN'T TELL US!

[Calpernia]

You Rock!

Bump!

And Thank You!!!!

[RandallFlagg]

I agree with Cal.

I've told ya this before, but it needs repeating. It's FReepers like you that make this site, and America, so great.

Thank you for all you're doing.

[Rightly Biased]

Great Job Calpernia


Reminds me of Someone else that used to post here.

Nothing says things more than pictures.(that whole thousand words deal ;^))

[BunnySlippers]

Very nice. Gotta bump.

[Allegra]

Aw, thanks, y'all.

I always feel it incumbent on me to point out that I'm a civilian contractor. The noble troops I work in support of are doing all the hard stuff. ;-)

It is rough for us over here sometimes, but for the most part we have some great times and get to watch history taking place.

(And see for ourselves how badly the media slants and distorts things...)

[Calpernia]

I'm civ volunteer too. I only assist with paper work and research for a group. Kinda like a secy.

I'm very envious. My group offered me the chance to go to Iraq with the rebuilding efforts.

I've got 3 on the hip. I need to be mom.

You have my deepest respect and envy.

[Reader of news]

Thanks for this great report!

[RandallFlagg]

I always feel it incumbent on me to point out that I'm a civilian contractor. The noble troops I work in support of are doing all the hard stuff. ;-)

All true, but our fine military is there as ordered, and as a part of the duties required from their voluntary service to our nation. They volunteered to serve in this manner -and they do even more above and beyond: they kill the bad guys. And we're all grateful, and love them for their bravery and courage.

YOU are there not to engage the enemy, but to help and assist the Iraqi people. The enemy would likely be more than willing to go after you folks, which is an enormous risk to all civilian workers. You're willing to go into mortal danger -most likely unarmed, but well defended- to simply do a job.

You're all heroes in my eyes. And my heart swells with pride knowing that heroes like you are American -AND FReepers.

[Calpernia]

Well said.

BUMP

[Allegra]

I only assist with paper work and research for a group. Kinda like a secy.

People who do that work tend to be more valuable and work harder than most of the big shots. ;-) And I'm not a big shot...I contract Iraqi companies to work on the rebuild projects and try to keep these things on schedule. I love the Iraqis, but when I'm expediting them, I hate that "insh'allah" word. LOL

You have my respect - there is no more important or difficult job than that of a mother and you care enough to put that ahead of everything else.

[Calpernia]

What is Dulcie + Finbar? Can you share?

[Allegra]

What is Dulcie + Finbar? Can you share?

The names of my two kitties. They are now immortalized on an old Iraqi missile launcher. LOL

[Allegra]

Awww, shucks. {blush...}

[Mrs.Nooseman]

Wonderful thread!

Thanks Calpernia for putting it all together and sharing it with us!

Thank you Troops for all you do to keep us safe and making freedom for the Iraqis possible!

God bless you!

[Calpernia]

Aw that is sweet! And lends the term Viking Kitties a new meaning!

[Allegra]

Oh, they're Viking kitties. And Dulcie is clearly a Republican. LOL

[Calpernia]

Ha! I should sew up chew toys for cats and dogs of the entire Profressive Caucus! ::evil grin::