Comments on: Senate DPC Hearing-Iraq Electrocutions 7-11-08 – Debbie Crawford Testimony

By: Joey B

Joey B — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 12:32:26 +0000

The companies that were responsible for the elctrocution of our soldiers, etc., should be held accountable in a military court. The CEOs, board of directors etc, of Bechtel, Halliburton, and KBR should be tried for murder.

Unless we are able to directly hold them accountable for murder this heinous behavior will continue. I don’t want to see a dog and pony show before the Senate. I want them held accountable for murder.

If anyone should dare hurt our soldiers & it is apparent that indeed it has happened then they should be repaid in the same way our soldiers suffered.

By: MSG Rat

MSG Rat — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 00:20:50 +0000

On behalf of many other troops I would like to thank you for your efforts to address the SWA electrical hazards issues. I’d also like to add that, as you are perhaps aware, the DoD electrical hazards and NEC noncompliance problems are not limited to OCONUS areas. Many CONUS sites, well funded and well supplied, experience significant and refurring fire/electrical regulation noncompliance conditions, and neither the installation facilities engineering agencies nor the installation commanders seem capable or willing to insist upon meeting the safety standards. Just as in your experience, those who attempt to bring deficiencies to the attention of higher authorities do so at great personal risk. As long as DoD contracts the lowest bidders for installation services, without due regard for assurance of compliant results an qualified specialists, we are going to see such hazards continue.

By: p120keeper

p120keeper — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 08:54:42 +0000

Reading several long blogs on electrical problems, in a war zone (Iraq). It’s not bad enough that you get shoot at, called all kinds of names from a so called religious group (that has by the way been fighting for 1,000’s of years).
Retired NCO combat vet., two wars, Vietnam being the first. Scarred for life the first time. Did get picked for special jobs because of knowledge & experience. High Voltage, Diesel, Motor Generators, UPS systems & don’t forget just plan what the heck. Once had an Electrical Engineer (he was good most of the time) tell me it was my fault for the delay because there was AC ripple on a totally isolated DC “batteries” Circuit)..Yes, I found and fixed problem. Different types of Voltages (1 to 1,600) AC, DC; 400Hz, 60Hz, 50Hz. Neutral (return) even though I have seen people (both civ. & military) use it like a ground. Grounds: US, Europe & Asia; Regular, Tech, Equipment, Building, Protected, RF Equipment, Radar Grounds. Then there is a potently dangerous Floating ground, not liked but some times required, most be well marked & used correctly.
It is not because it is “a war zone”, correct terminology is “use a bigger hammer” to fix it. It is amazing that KBR is still still in business.
Had some Electrical work done by Brown & Root in 1980s. Found out a few months later that it was not done correctly, they Hired people off the street. Almost did get a electrician killed, he was hurt but alive, shock threw him out of the ceiling. Brown & Root wired a three foot jumper from one junction box to another. Wire size was correct but on marked; Then, you won’t believe this, maybe there are at least in this blog that would – could have been them. This person put standard 110 MALE PLUGS on Both Ends of a 220 AC Circuit.
This was not overseas, not in a war zone, not even in a I need this yesterday. This was in California at a Military base, even military Has to live with electrical codes & follow. Lucky for me I had a Lt. that I worked with, That was a very good writer & electrical engineer (now a lawyer), told what I needed somethings to say and Presto Never had Brown & Root on a contract again. Yea, I took a lot of heat for, but safety & I Won in the end. Needless to say Brown & Root were upset. They did send two extremely good looking young women to talk to me & take me to lunch, short skirts and all. Funny IBM did the Very same thing when I started hitting there pocket books. I wasn’t there for either though. Being harassed for what I was doing was still better than the heat though. Also had access to two lawyers 24 hours a day. Have a lot of stories, funny but not good. Also have a nephew in Iraq. They all have enough to think about, without thinking can I shave, take a shower, walk into the latrine or just plan plug in my radio. I have lost count of the number of times I rushed or made a mistake, with my screwdriver, wrench or my hands. Even remember waking up after sailing about 10feet, with a cow licking my face. Yes, a cow & I still remember the rough tongue & dripping nose Every time I go to do any electrical work. Take your time & Watch what you are doing..!! KBR is not a good company, management is after only one thing, money, they don’t protect there workers or look after the good ones.. To me the money wasn’t in my best interest to go to work for KBR, I refused. But, some people might not have had a choice so they went (most cases not knowing about KBR & there management.) So, don’t be hard on the ones that did go, you are not in there shoes, they still have to live with themselfs & everytime a GI dies they at least know some of them tried to fix it.
Then of course you have at least two (I know more) that didn’t & still don’t know what they are doing, all mouth & nothing upstairs, not even a conscious & bet no morals either.

Sorry, for the length reading brought back memorys not all good..

Electrician/ RF/Electronic Engineering Tech.

Keep up the good work if you know it is against any code or common sense. There are only a few of us that will go out on limb while some greedy CEO VP or Other is trying to cut the limb off.

Ms Sparky’s Response:
Wow. Thanks for the awesome comment and great insights!

By: DAB08

DAB08 — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:32:58 +0000

…in reply to One Hot Looking High Voltage Babe :- )
Thank God for “whistleblowers!” They are heroic and step up to protect… AND have the courage to do what others would like to or can’t!

So by YOUR forum name, we are to take you seriously? Send pics! Additionally, I’m sure we all want you working around electricity in your wet t-shirt! Or maybe the “hot” is referring to the horns and tail you show as you stand in the fire….

Ms Sparky’s Response:
No worries. It’s probably just KBR HQ.

By: Ken@Home

Ken@Home — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 12:05:15 +0000

When we went through, they couldn’t make there minds up whether it was 230/380, 230/400 or 230/415. LoL

By: Phil

Phil — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 07:49:13 +0000

Debbie, I also just saw you on Rachel Maddow. Please don’t let idiots like “high voltage babe” get to you. Some stray currents probably fried his or her brain.

Just because it’s a “war zone” you’re supposed to “make do” and ignore the most basic safety rules? Really?!?

Well, if we hadn’t already blown nearly a trillion dollars on that insane war, then they might have a good excuse for green hot phases or joining wires without wire nuts.

Every US camp in Iraq and Afghanistan should now be wired in pure silver for what we’ve been paying.

The ONLY possible explanation is complete and utter incompetence and corruption from the top of W’s rotten administration all the way down. And don’t let anyone tell you differently.

I didn’t see your testimony. Did you point out to the senators that shocks from a faulty 250V system can be a heckuva lot worse than from a 120V system in the US?

By: IBEW 369 electrician

IBEW 369 electrician — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 04:15:35 +0000

I just caught your interview on the Rachel Maddow Show. And I was wondering if you would please elaborate on the picture shown as to what caused 180 volts to be present from a stream of water from a bathroom faucet. I am assuming that power provided to the trailers would be 120/240 or 120/208 volts. So why would 180 volts be present at all. I have my suspicions as I feel many other electricians viewing the show may be asking. But could you please clarify.

Thank You
Brian Vandenburg
Master Electrician
IBEW local 369
Louisville Kentucky

Ms Sparky’s Response:
The voltage is 230/380 50 hz

By: QueGee

QueGee — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 03:17:11 +0000

My father worked for KBR way before the latest Iraq war started, and it dang near ruined his life! I was thrilled when he later went to Fluor-Daniel, which had a higher caliber of employee and attitude for the most part.

I SO applaud you, Ms. Sparky, for standing up for what’s right, which is so much more important than one job! As you’re good, there’s no doubt you’ll keep working. I’m including you as a part of my Women’s History Month Blog.

One matter of disagreement: I’ve visited both the UK and Texas (I even lived in Houston for a while), and they’re most certainly not alike! Texas is full of incredible, strong women, as is the UK, but I wouldn’t trade the UK’s weather or food (aside from Chicken Tikka Masala) for my beloved Texas brisket any day of the week!

Ms Sparky’s Response:
Thank you! Just so you know, I’m not from Texas. I am going to go check out your site.

By: peg smith

peg smith — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 21:05:51 +0000

I am writing because my husband just accepted an offer at KBR as an electrician of 30 plus years and a Union man as well. I am just scared to death reading all of the comments about the company. Is any of it good? Is it really as bad? the safety and the fact that there are no supplies. Does Mgmt not care? If some one would write back I would be eternally grateful. Does it also mean if you are assigned to SEII you cannot take any vacation?

Thanks

Ms Sparky’s Response:
He will be able to take R&R every 4 months. How bad it is depends totally on the camp. They can be as different as night and day.

By: High Voltage Babe

High Voltage Babe — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 12:53:45 +0000

You sow what you reap –

Bechtel wouldn’t want you – and word gets out pretty fast to other companies about folks who spew words about former employers.

I’ll put you up on the same pedestal with other like minded females: Jamie Leigh Jones/Sherron Watkins/Linda Tripp….

You’ve been labeled – now you get to wear that scarlet letter for the rest of your life.

Best,
One Hot Looking High Voltage Babe

Ms Sparky’s Response
Oh no…not labeled….not the scarlet letter…say it isn’t so….stop….stop…no more!!! You could be one of my more humorous commentors yet…..

By: High Voltage Babe

High Voltage Babe — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 18:15:10 +0000

second thoughts said,on December 21st, 2008 at 9:43 am suggest “no licence needed” is not american, but probably from the uk.

Ms Sparky’s Response:
I figured he was from Texas…..same thing!

Dear Ms. Sparky
That comment was rude and uncalled for…
Wait – nevermind – I have a rude comment for you too…
You were NEVER KBR material – you were an outsider who came to work for the company for big bucks like everyone else – So tell me – how did you enjoy the money over there? I see you did not one but 2 years…
Blood must have washed off your hands with all the money that contractor job was able to buy you in soap.
Feh- Come to Texas – come back to KBR – I have a “gift” for you…I’ll give you a hint—
It’s electrical and has a water feature.
Signed,

High Voltage Babe

Ms Sparky’s Response:
You’re right, I was NEVER KBR material. You’re right, I was an outsider. I am licensed for one. I went through an approved apprenticeship for two. I have professional ethics for three. And I don’t threaten and intimidate…you are clearly KBR through and through. High Voltage Babe? Unlikely!

By: Mr. Dave

Mr. Dave — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 15:11:41 +0000

Ms. Sparky, thanks for bringing the reality home with you and speaking out. As an Army Engineer officer who is on his third tour here in Iraq (and my second involved in facilities and O&M), I can attest that the active duty does not have the required skilled electrical personnel within its ranks to be able to adequately identify, let alone mitigate, all of the electrical problems. The few active duty non-commissioned officers (and reservists with civilian electrical experience) are generally supporting missions “outside the wire”, where they are expected to assume the higher level of risk. The military relies on the LOGCAP contractor to provide safe facilities on the bases and/or at least clean up after Iraqi electricians install bad wiring. Ideally, the active duty military would have enough Engineer NCO’s and Officers that are skilled enough to ensure that bad wiring isn’t installed. However, with the current military’s practice of contracting out as many logistical functions it can, it takes the deaths of several individuals to bring about real action. This is currently going on the form of Task Force Safe, an initiative to have properly trained teams inspect all sites for proper wiring, grounding, and panel boxes and fire safety. Hopefully in future wars, the military will learn from its mistakes and not give the LOGCAP contractor the task to do the work and be its own inspector – it sounds nice and easy on paper, but doesn’t work in real life.

Ms Sparky’s Response:
Thanks for your insights and most of all…thanks for serving. I just wish that the DoD would stop protecting KBR.

By: second thoughts

second thoughts — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 17:43:34 +0000

suggest “no licence needed” is not american, but probably from the uk.

Ms Sparky’s Response:
I figured he was from Texas…..same thing!

By: nonameneeded

nonameneeded — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 05:18:17 +0000

I was in Iraq and Afghanistan with the same company you worked for. I was in the QA/QC department for about a year now doing inspections on the very work in which you’ve talked about. In my opinion there are more reasons for the type of work done here than is noticed. One great example is the Quality department for which I work. We have people promoted from administrative assistants (secretaries) to construction inspectors doing audits on the trade departments and also inspecting multi million dollar construction projects. There are also HUGE problems with soldiers taking it upon themselves to do their own electrical work. Thanks for your time, and hope I can help…..

By: Iraq electrocutions higher than previously reported « The Defense Base Act Blog

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 06:31:42 +0000

[...] website from a former KBR electrician. Ms. Sparky (Debbie Crawford) recently testified before the Senate Democratic Policy Committee on Soldier Electrocutions and seeks to bring attention to safety conditions in Iraq. She is looking for former contractors [...]

By: kandsfarm

kandsfarm — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 12:59:14 +0000

I always speak my mind when it is right to do so.

From one craftsperson to another, I would like you to know that you are doing the right thing. Keep it up.

JMHO “Just My Humble Opinion”

Karin

By: kandsfarm

kandsfarm — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 20:44:38 +0000

WOW!!! F—ing B–ch!!! Pretty harsh words coming from NO LICENCE NEEDED who has been there for what did he say? ALMOST a year? I am impressed that KBR hired such an educated and literate electrician. My hat is off to you…

NOT!!!!!!

Maybe if KBR hired licensed (yes, that is with an “S” not a “C”) electricians that new what they were doing then maybe things like this wouldn’t happen:

“During just one six-month period — August 2006 through January 2007 — at least 283 electrical fires destroyed or damaged American military facilities in Iraq, including the military’s largest dining hall in the country.”

“Two soldiers died in an electrical fire at their base near Tikrit in 2006, the records note, while another was injured while jumping from a burning guard tower in May 2007.”

“And while the Pentagon has previously reported that 13 Americans have been electrocuted in Iraq, many more have been injured, some seriously, by shocks, according to the documents.”

“Electrical problems were the most urgent noncombat safety hazard for soldiers in Iraq, according to an Army survey issued in February 2007. It noted “a safety threat theaterwide created by the poor-quality electrical fixtures procured and installed, sometimes incorrectly, thus resulting in a significant number of fires.”

Do I need to go on? There are many more stories just like these….

I could only hope and pray that KBR is forced into hiring ONLY LICENSED ELECTRICIANS and purchasing adequate tools and supplies for the LICENSED ELECTRICIANS to do their jobs in a professional manner. If this pisses you off then I suggest you trot right on over to the licensing department and try to get yours before the line gets too long…. but, I would learn to spell license before I applied for one…. JMHO

Karin

Ms Sparky’s Response:
Damn Karin….you really shouldn’t hold back. Say what’s on your mind girl! LOL BTW….what does JMHO mean? THANK YOU!!
Ms Sparky

By: kenny

kenny — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 04:16:50 +0000

I am also an electrician that served in Fallujah, I can testify to the fact about no materials and supplies. Searchin thru the trash dump to make junction boxes and or distribution panels out of. If it werent for the Marine ENGRS, in camp we would not have a had a single ligth bulb.!!!!!
But also i can attest to the fact of work installed by others. Dont know who , but has anyone seen a turtle>? if you have, you know what it is? what about wrapping a damaged underground cable in an MRE bag and a plastic bag from the PX? this was battlefield mentality and completing the mission. and yes i have seen the supposedly union and nonunion electricians that both dont know what they are doing. most electricians are not familiar with working around generators or let alone live circuits. GOd bless the Marines i just know i did the best with what i had to work with.

Ms Sparky’s Response:
Kenny-It sounds like you did do the best you could. It would have been nice to have some material. I understand when a mortar comes in and blows something up and you need to get it fixed now…anyway you can. You fix it temporary, but it turns out to be permanent because you can’t get the parts and material in to fix it right.

And yes….God Bless the Marines!

Thanks for the great comment.
Ms Sparky

By: ms sparky

ms sparky — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 21:02:26 +0000

I get asked this question a lot. So I want to clarify. I am a Union Electrician. I served my apprenticeship in Local 112 from 1979-1984. I am currently a member of IBEW Local 48 Portland, Oregon.

Unfortunately the IBEW does not have jurisdiction outside the US and Canada. I wish they did. There were a lot of great IBEW members in Iraq and Afghanistan. I talked to my Business Manager before I went over and got the “go ahead”.

By: Dale

Dale — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 05:06:45 +0000

Wow Deb it sounds like that NLN guy is the one whos work you were following around and trying to repair. No license needed? I wonder if he does heart surgery on the side, or maybe a little plumbing. One thing is for sure, his english skills (lack of) show he is probably from KBR’s home office. I never have been a nonunion Brown and Root fan. Did Bechtel have those kind of problems?

Ms Sparky’s Response:

I didn’t want to screen my comments…good or bad. He was a doozy! I’d bet you $100 I have worked with this guy!!! You know…..I’ve never worked for Bechtel. Bummer! Thanks for the comment.