We make a difference in Iraq

Kansas City Star ^ | Oct. 23, 2005 | Maj. Bill Cowling

[neverdem]

As I See It From the Combat Zone

Special to The Star

Editor’s note: This is the first in an occasional series of As I See It articles by men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

MOSUL, Iraq — I am told by friends and family that they are often informed of the disappointments that we experience in Iraq. While these disappointments are real, I wanted to share with my fellow Missourians the many successes the Iraqi government and the coalition forces are experiencing in Mosul.

Thanks to the efforts of many top military and civilian professionals, Mosul’s provincial government is growing stronger each day. The reconstruction of Iraq is extremely hard work. However, because of the dedication of Iraqi officials with their coalition counterparts, and the resolve of our support network at home, we will see this government fully stand up.

For 35 years, Iraqis suffered under the former regime, and the country’s basic infrastructure was badly neglected. For example, a number of water-treatment plants are pumping water from the Tigris River — straight to the citizens without any treatment.

Recently, we negotiated with an Iraqi firm to rehabilitate a water-treatment plant to bring fresh water to the citizens of Tal Afar.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, working with Iraqi officials have made — and continue to make — a lasting impact on the country’s infrastructure. In support of the various commanders throughout the country, the Corps is renovating and constructing water-treatment plants, electrical generation and distribution systems, schools, clinics, municipal buildings and oil infrastructure sites, to name a few.

Across northern Iraq, there are more than 350 projects working to bring back the essential services that these people so desperately need.

This is the same Corps of Engineers that also deployed in response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. I marvel each day at the soldiers and civilians assigned to the Corps of Engineers who are bringing about real and lasting change to people in need all over the world — God bless them!

The Corps of Engineers works side by side with the best soldiers on the globe. These soldiers, airmen, sailors and Marines place the goals and interests of the Iraqis far ahead of their personal comforts. Many of the Iraqis realize this and are forever grateful.

Rest assured that the situation in Iraq is improving daily. I believe the true heroes are those Iraqis who are on the front lines everyday. It is the policeman, fireman, civic leaders, teachers, contractors — anyone who supports improvement and progress — who are targets for the terrorists. Yet, they continue to work each day to progress their country and countrymen forward.

I consider it a great pleasure to support them in their endeavors. Stand by us as we continue this fight. It is your support and resolve that will ensure that Iraq endures and that the United States remains the greatest place on earth.

[neverdem]

Bill Cowling, an army reservist, is the director of buildings and grounds for the Blue Springs School District. In June, he was deployed to Mosul, where he serves as a liaison officer for the Army Corps of Engineers. His wife, Tina, and two children, Dylan and Kylee, live in Blue Springs. Readers with military family members willing to contribute to this feature should contact E. Thomas McClanahan on the Editorial Page at (816) 234-4480 , or by sending e-mail to mcclanahan@kcstar.com .

[endthematrix]

I guess the author feels confident enough to list his last name and family's town of residence. I sure wouldn't print it.

[Watery Tart]

...and what a difference a brave, dedicated, all-volunteer Armed Forces makes.