» 2009 » June Ms Sparky

The Tragedy of PKSD

Posted on: June 30th, 2009 at 2:13 pm — by Ms Sparky

With so many people being RIF’d and just quitting I though this would be a good time to re-publish this article on this very serious condition. I wonder if one could file a DBA claim on PKSD.

The Tragedy of PKSD

By Anonymous, PMCS 27/8/10
Aug 27, 2008 – 11:05:51 AM

Many brave, patriotic civilians went to Iraq as part of LOGCAP (Logistics Civilian Augmentation Program), and returned to what they thought would be a normal life back here in the States. However, many of these individuals have since been diagnosed with what is now known as Post-KBR Stress Disorder, or PKSD.

These individuals became addicted to high pay for nominal work, very often in jobs they were totally unqualified to perform; and when they returned to what is known as “the real world” they were unable to adjust. Many have refused to return to whatever jobs they had prior to their tour in Iraq, having given themselves the delusion that they actually were qualified for the positions they had graciously been given while there.

A great number of them have refused to work for fair wages in America after having been spoiled on the pay they received while working (or at least, filling out a timesheet) overseas.

This has caused great stress in many families as sufferers of PKSD have refused to assimilate back into the real world.

Many, for years, only saw their families when it was R&R, fun and vacation. Now they are having to deal with the problems that go along with normal life, and they refuse to do it. Another problem is that when they were home in a vacation frame of mind they had more than enough money to spend on every whim of themselves and the family. They spent money like the cash cow would never stop giving and did not adequately plan ahead. Now that they have refused to go back to work they are frustrated that what money they had saved is now gone and they now face financial devastation. Also, since they are no longer the great financial provider that they once were, it has led to marital problems, in many cases.

For some reason that is unclear until further research can be done, everyone who ever worked in water purification and returned home has turned gay. That’s right, they have all become flamers. Researchers say it may take years of study to determine why this has occurred. They have ruled out the chemicals, and now believe it may be the long hours they spent alone together in the ROWPU units.

With the war over in Iraq and things winding down in Afghanistan there is no longer a great need for highly paid, unqualified people in the LOGCAP program.

Many companies who hired KBR HSE Coordinators who are still trying to do what he did in Iraq are facing OSHA fines, and some, loss of contracting license

This new phenomena has overwhelmed the mental health industry. But, since these individuals no longer have jobs they no longer have health insurance (unless they are still married and the spouse provides it), so most are SOL.

Most truck drivers from Iraq refuse to go back on the road, claiming it is boring without the threat of roadside bombs and small arms fire. Many more truck drivers could not adjust to not driving in a convoy without a military escort. Almost all say they will not renew their CDL.

The Food Service Industry in the United States is enforcing a total ban on individuals who worked in KBR DFACs due to liability issues. Insurance providers will no longer provide insurance to restaurants, grocery stores or food industry suppliers who employ former KBR employees. Although it has not been confirmed, there are many rumors that some former KBR Food Service personnel are secretly being employed in restaurants that specialize in Indian Cuisine.

Almost 100% of the KBR medics who did try to return to work are now facing loss of their medical credentials and lawsuits due to some type of malpractice at their new jobs in the States. It seems that whatever the problem of the patient, whether conscious or unconscious, all they would do is try to get them to drink water.

Firemen. ? This reporter would not even know where to begin.

And one Home Depot store which hired a former KBR Materials Manager had to close down within 3 months of his hire because of the massive mismanagement of inventory. When asked for a comment, the Store Manager said, “I can’t @#$%^&* believe how @#$%^&* incompetent this (&}%^ guy is. We {“+=&% hired him with the @#$%^&* recommendation from his *&^% former *^%$#& employer, but he surely had to be a (“+}^% when he %$#*)+ worked for them, too. He %^&$# things up at light speed. I don’t see how his former @#$%^& employer kept from getting slammed by the government.” He had more to say about the man’s Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, etc.

Many of the former KBR employees spend long hours at the local convenience stores talking to the Indians and Pakistanis who work there, seemingly trying to re-experience their days of job and financial security. A strange twist is that they will not go to work for a fair wage, but many will readily sweep and mop floors at the local 7/11 for a six pack of beer and the privilege of being able to hang around and bore the owner with their stories of Iraq. This is ironic since in their previous job the South Asians worked as their labor.

Recently, some of these PKSD sufferers caused an international incident. They pooled what little money they had and tried to start a rebellion in Tahiti, in hopes that the United States would intervene with the military and re-expand the LOGCAP program there. However, the poor fools ran out of money drinking in the bar the first night there.

The exception to this problem seems to be individuals who worked for KBR Security. 100% of these individuals have readjusted and become productive, successful members of their communities. I am sure researchers will want to know the reason for this phenomenon. (click HERE for the original article)

OK…that was funny no matter who you are! I think we should keep adding to it. Here’s my contribution.

“Many former KBR employees suffering from PKSD have been arrested in the States after pulling into a gas station, filling up and driving off without paying. Many claim the fumes triggered flash backs putting them at a fuel point in Iraq where they just drove in, filled up, signed their name and someone else paid!”

Ms Sparky

Posted in Humor. Tags: Humor. 3 Comments »

Newsweek on the Iraq Burn Pits – A Sickening Situation

Posted on: June 29th, 2009 at 3:02 pm — by Ms Sparky

A Sickening Situation

By Katie Connolly | NEWSWEEK
Published Jun 27, 2009
From the magazine issue dated Jul 13, 2009

Josh Eller, a military contractor stationed in Iraq in 2006, was driving through Balad Air Base when he spotted the wild dog. He wasn’t sure what was in its mouth—but when Eller saw two bones, he knew he was looking at a human arm. The dog had pulled the limb from an open-air “burn pit” on the base used to incinerate waste. Eller says it’s “one of the worst things I have seen.”

Since hearing Eller’s story, lawyer Elizabeth Burke has signed on 190 additional clients with complaints about burn pits at 18 military sites in Iraq and Afghanistan. By now, she says, all pits should have been replaced by pollution-controlled incinerators. She’s filed suits in 17 states against KBR, the company contracted to provide waste-disposal services at these bases, accusing it of negligence and harm. Burke was shocked to learn what her clients saw incinerated: Humvees, batteries, unexploded ordnance, gas cans, mattresses, rocket pods, and plastic and medical waste (including body parts, which may explain the arm). Fumes containing carcinogenic dioxins, heavy metals, and particulates, according to an Army–Air Force risk assessment, waft freely across bases. (Read the rest of the story here…)

Posted in Burn Pits, Lawsuits Against KBR, LOGCAP III - KBR. Tags: Burn Pits, Employee Issues-KBR, Lawsuits Against KBR. 2 Comments »

No More KBR At Joint Base Balad (JBB) AFCAP vs LOGCAP

Posted on: June 29th, 2009 at 5:41 am — by Ms Sparky

Could it be the Air Force has finally had a belly full of KBR? Although I haven’t received official word from Secretary of the Air Force Donley, I am told by my awesome readers that KBR’s last day at Balad Air Force Base in Iraq is August 31, 2009. With the Military this probably means March 31, 2010.

Apparently Balad will now be managed under AFCAP (Air Force Contract Augmentation Program) instead of LOGCAP (Logistics Civil Augmentation Program). I am sure there are some differences but essentially I am told that AFCAP is the Air Forces equivalent of the Army’s LOGCAP. Hopefully the Air Force will do better than the Army has.

There are huge Air Force bases at Al Asad, Tallil and I believe Taqqadum (TQ) as well. Will they also transition from LOGCAP to AFCAP?

Is this the DoD’s way of ending the LOGCAP III disaster in Iraq? Just transition to AFCAP? Who is the major AFCAP contractor? Fluor?

Click HERE for a short article about AFCAP and it’s current contractors.

Have other Air Force bases in Iraq heard a similar story? Tell us what you have been told.

Ms Sparky

Posted in GOV. CONTRACTORS, KBR Contract, LOGCAP-Fluor. Tags: AFCAP, Fluor*. 26 Comments »

Is DoD asleep on the job in Kuwait too?

Posted on: June 25th, 2009 at 9:31 am — by Ms Sparky

I have been getting regular complaints from Americans working for LOGCAP contractors in Kuwait. The complaints are primarily about DynCorp, but Combat Service Associates are getting their fair share.

Let ‘s start with DynCorp. DynCorp has been sucking up former KBR managers faster than they can be convicted. At this stage of the game I find it interesting that any company would be picking up any manager from a LOGCAP contractor that has so many civil suits, criminal convictions, ongoing criminal investigations, countless DoD investigations and who knows how many Congressional investigations. Who would want to bring that negative management style into their company. Although DynCorp is not new to management issues, at least what I saw and heard about when I was in the Green Zone from 2004-2006. DynCorp had a badging contract I believe for the Department of State (DoS) and one of their badging officers was selling/giving away DoS Badges evidently so people could use the DFAC and pool at the Republican Palace also known at that time as the US Embassy. Hmmm what’s the security issue there?

Here is a comment I received from a concerned DynCorp employee.

I have to tell you I made a big mistake in crossing over with DynCorp. There are several issue we have to deal with on daily basis. One, there are several employees that have not gotten paid for several weeks or months including myself. Dyncorp is a month behind in paying perdiems to employees that have no DFAC or means of getting any food. We all have to use our own money for most of everything even thought it says on the LOA’s that food is covered. Well that is if you do have a LOA.

Did you know that for a week or more there were a lot of employees that put 12hours
on their time sheet and stayed home because there CAT (CAC perhaps) Cards were not active even
thought they are not being scanned in at the ECP’s gate to get in. Just about everyone CAT Card is inactive after June 12 2009 the end of Task Order 147. There are a few that I know of that do not even have a CAT Card at all and is working on
the base and site.

As far the Bus drivers they are TCN’s and they are driving with expired or no Identification at all, some employee are forced to rent there own car’s or pay for taxi to get to and from work. In most cases we are working over time and told that we cannot put this on our time sheet because Dyncorp does not recognize overtime unless approved. Supervisor and Foreman’s are making changes and corrections to employee’s time sheet without there knowledge after they have been signed and turned in.

Some employees are allowed to Hit, Threatened and Disrespect there fellow coworkers and nothing is being done about it. Victimized employees in most cases are too afraid to come forward and when they do they are threaten with termination or they get fired.

In most cases “Looks Like The Same KBR All Over Again”.

Here is a comment I received from a CSA employee.

CSA, Ltd. in Kuwait has nothing on KBR, you have employees that drive company vehicles with no Kuwait Driver’s License, change employee timesheets, and come to work on and go to college online everyday. She stills has a job. Now, CSA needs to be investigated, also.

The camp in question is KNB and the department MWR. The supervisor there goes home sick, but does not put sick leave down. The manager has committed timesheet fraud on various occasions and I have exact dates. they tell you that they need you to work OT, but when timesheet turn in comes around, they cross out the hours and put your initials down, without you knowing abut it until pay day comes around. U cant go to ER because the ER person is friends with the manager and supervisor.

What is going on with this changing of time sheets after that have been signed and submitted? What in the hell is this signing someone else’s initials? That timesheet is a legal document. Any lawyers in the house?

Here are my “recommendations”:

1. Use the reporting system in place even if it doesn’t work. Such as local Human/Employee Relations departments. Document…Document….Document. Use email only. This way if it ever goes to court, and it sounds like it will, you have a record. If someone responds to your email with a phone call or a face-to-face conversation, summarize the conversation in an email and send it to that person. I’d stat it something like this: “To follow-up with out recent (type of) conversation on (date) at (time) I just want to make sure I understand you correctly.” And then summarize the conversation. Ask them to resspond to the email if there are any corrections to your summary.

2. Contact the Ethic Hotline via email. Document…Document….Document.

DynCorp Ethics Hotline is: hotline@dyn-intl.com

CSA Ethics Hotline is not listed on their website. If you have that information send it to me so I can update.

3. Contact the DoD Inspector General. Even if it doesn’t get investigated immediately, the call gets logged. Maybe your call combined with other peoples calls paints a bigger picture for the DoD. I recently did a post on how to contact the DoD IG click HERE for that.

If my readers will send me Ethics Hotline information for their LOGCAP companies I will do a post of just that contact information.

If I were a betting person…..I would guess that CSA and DynCorp are knee deep in former KBR managers. This just sounds like same shit different company. And the DoD is letting it happen. And to top it all off those brilliant Generals that lead the DoD (and the LOGCAP contractors) are actually expecting a different result.

I guess I’m never going to run out of things to blog about.

Ms Sparky

Posted in Combat Support Ass. (CSA), GOV. CONTRACTORS, LOGCAP-Dyncorp. Tags: Combat Support Ass. (CSA), DynCorp*. 382 Comments »

Senator Casey Presses Pentagon on Maseth Electrocution Investigation

Posted on: June 23rd, 2009 at 10:12 am — by Ms Sparky

Casey Presses Pentagon on Maseth Electrocution Investigation

June 22, 2009

WASHINGTON, DC- U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) today sent a letter to Deputy Defense Secretary William Lynn asking for an update on and an estimated timeline on completing investigations into the electrocution death of Staff Sergeant Ryan Maseth in Iraq in January 2008. Senator Casey’s letter was prompted by concerns over the slow pace of the inquiries from Staff Sergeant Maseth’s mother, Cheryl Harris.

“I now request that you provide a response on the status of Staff Sergeant Ryan Maseth’s case, both in the context of the U.S. Army CID investigation and DOD Inspector General investigation, and the expected timelines for their conclusion,” wrote Senator Casey. “Ryan Maseth was tragically killed almost 18 months ago, and the investigations have dragged on for almost that entire period of time. We as a nation owe his family an answer on what happened. Cheryl Harris’s remarkable dedication has inspired me to remain involved on this issue to demand justice and accountability for all of the families who have lost loved ones to electrocutions in Iraq.”

After learning that Staff Sergeant Maseth was killed while taking a shower in Iraq, Senator Casey began pressing the Department of Defense and KBR for answers and assurances that U.S. troops will be safe from further accidental electrocutions. He has received testimony from General Petraeus, sent letters to Gen. Petraeus and Secretary Gates, met with the KBR CEO, testified before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee and participated in two Democratic Policy Committee hearings to increase accountability in government contracting.

Senator Casey’s advocacy helped spur the Pentagon to establish a task force on the ground in Iraq dedicated to addressing problems in electrical wiring and engaging in comprehensive inspections of every U.S. military facility in Iraq.

###

June 22, 2009

The Honorable William J. Lynn III
Deputy Secretary of Defense
1010 Defense Pentagon
Washington, DC 20301-1010

Dear Deputy Secretary Lynn,

As you know, over the past year I have closely followed the Pentagon’s multiple investigations into the electrocutions of U.S. soldiers while serving in Iraq. My interest in this issue was sparked by the courage and perseverance of a constituent of mine, Cheryl Harris, who lost her son, Staff Sergeant Ryan Maseth, on January 2, 2008 when he was electrocuted while taking a shower at the Radwaniyah Palace Complex in Iraq.

Cheryl has been driven by an unyielding pursuit of the truth about her son’s death. Since Ryan died at the beginning of 2008, she has received three separate accounts of her son’s death, each successive account changing in key details. The U.S. Army Criminal Investigative Division (CID) and the Department of Defense Inspector General both have ongoing investigations into the circumstances of Ryan’s death. In addition, Ryan’s family has filed a civil lawsuit against KBR, Inc.

The U.S. Army CID closed an initial investigation into Ryan’s death on June 11, 2008, without filing any charges. However, it reopened the investigation on August 29, 2008. On December 16, 2008 a U.S. Army CID investigator emailed Cheryl to convey the news that the CID’s official classification of Ryan’s death had been changed from accidental homicide to negligent homicide.

Since that exchange, Cheryl has been told repeatedly that her son’s case would be closed soon. In an email exchange with General Rodney Johnson, the CID Commanding General, Cheryl was told she would receive an update on June 8, 2009. On this day, she received a phone call from Colonel Jeff Davies, a CID Group Commander in Atlanta. He informed her that the investigation is complete but that the Judge Advocates General are still reviewing the investigation for thoroughness, a claim that has been made to her before.

Cheryl was also informed that her efforts to reach out for additional information were slowing down the process because Army investigators would have to stop and respond to those requests. Finally, Colonel Davies told her that he could not provide a timeline for the release of final findings for this investigation. Cheryl is concerned that her family’s ongoing lawsuit against KBR may be influencing the lack of Pentagon communications with her on the status of Ryan’s investigation.

I understand the need for thoroughness and allowing justice to fully work without undue haste. But I am concerned that Cheryl Harris now believes that the U.S. Army and the Pentagon as a whole are ignoring her legitimate concerns and requests for information. Cheryl has been a dogged advocate for all soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, to ensure that no other mother be forced to endure what she has over the past eighteen months.

During our phone conversation in March, you agreed to provide me updates and milestones in multiple Department of Defense investigations. I also asked to receive a timeline for completion of these various ongoing DOD investigations. Finally, I insisted that the Pentagon adopt complete transparency and forthrightness with the families of those fallen by electrocutions. These mothers and fathers, husbands and wives are entitled to receive continuous updates and full inclusion in the investigative process as it unfolds. They deserve nothing less.

Accordingly, I now request that you provide a response on the status of Staff Sergeant Ryan Maseth’s case, both in the context of the U.S. Army CID investigation and DOD Inspector General investigation, and the expected timelines for their conclusion. Ryan Maseth was tragically killed almost 18 months ago, and the investigations have dragged on for almost that entire period of time. We as a nation owe his family an answer on what happened. Cheryl Harris’s remarkable dedication has inspired me to remain involved on this issue to demand justice and accountability for all of the families who have lost loved ones to electrocutions in Iraq.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Robert P. Casey, Jr.
United States Senator

Click HERE for original press release

Posted in Electrocutions/Shocks, Politics, Ryan Maseth-US Army, Stanley Baker Hill (SBH). Tags: Army CID*, Army Criminal Investigation Command*, Cheryl Harris, Reports & Investigations, SBH. No Comments »

Happy Father’s Day

Posted on: June 21st, 2009 at 10:34 am — by Ms Sparky

fathers-day

I would like to wish all the great Father’s in the world a Happy Father’s Day.

A special Happy Father’s Day wish for all those father’s who are currently deployed and are serving our country. That makes being a Father extra difficult. Thanks to the moms and family members who are picking up the slack.

Happy Father’s Day to the civilian fathers who have chosen to support our troops and our country in the Middle East. It’s no less difficult being away from your family because you are a civilian.

And for those who have lost fathers in the Middle East or anywhere for that matter, a big hug for you.

So…go hug your Dad, go call your Dad, Dad’s away from home….call your family.

Ms Sparky

Posted in Holiday Tribute To Soldiers. Tags: Father's Day, Holidays*. No Comments »

3 US Troops Plead Guilty In Fraud Case Over Defense Contracts

Posted on: June 19th, 2009 at 5:14 pm — by Ms Sparky

3 US Troops Plead Guilty In Fraud Case Over Defense Contracts

6-19-09 7:22 PM EDT

DOW JONES NEWSWIRES-Two U.S. military officials pleaded guilty to bribery, fraud and conspiracy charges relating to Defense Department contracts in Afghanistan, and a third pleaded guilty to receiving stolen property in connection with the case, the Justice Department said Friday.
Four Defense Department contractors and four affiliated contracting companies also were indicted and accused of paying bribes to the military officials.

Christopher P. West, an Army Major from Chicago who served in Afghanistan from 2004 to 2005, pleaded guilty to three counts of bribery and five counts of conspiracy. West admitted accepting $90,000 from contractors for awarding contracts at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan. He also admitted accepting cash from contractors for certifying inflated numbers of bunkers and barriers delivered at Bagram, causing the government to pay for goods never received.

Patrick W. Boyd, an Air Force master sergeant from Rockledge, Fla., who served as a contracting officer at Bagram in 2004 and 2005, pleaded guilty to three counts of bribery and three counts of conspiracy for accepting $90,000 from contractors for the award of contracts. He also admitted receiving $25,000 from a contractor for the award of a telecommunications infrastructure contract at Bagram.

Charles Patton, a friend of West and an Army sergeant from Chicago, pleaded guilty to charges of receiving stolen property. He admitted receiving shipments of cash from West in 2004 and 2005, while West was in Afghanistan. Patton hid the money in his home until West returned to U.S.

West, Boyd and Patton agreed to pay restitution of $500,000, $130,000 and $ 100,000, respectively, as well as forfeit any fraud-related assets and cooperate with the investigation.

Also indicted were brothers and U.S. citizens Assad John Ramin and Tahir Ramin; their companies AZ Corp. and Top’s Construction; Afghan citizen Noor Alam and his company Northern Reconstruction Organization; and Abdul Qudoos Bakhshi, an Afghan, and his company Naweed Bakhshi Co. on bribery, fraud and conspiracy charges. (click HERE for original article)