KBR sues the United States of America
Yes it’s true. KBR filed suit against the United States of America on June 2, 2009. Below is an excerpt from that suit, Case 1:09-cv-00351-SGB (click HERE to read the entire complaint)
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COMPLAINT
Plaintiff, Kellogg Brown & Root Services, Inc (“KBR”), files it’s complaint against the United States of America the “government”).
INTRODUCTION
This complaint results from the government’s attack, based upon the erroneous application of law and fact, on the reasonableness of the price KBR paid to a subcontractor performing services to assist KBR in performing certain requirements under a contract with the United States Army. This contract required KBR to provide logistics support, including dining facility services, to combat soldiers in Iraq since 2003 without interruption because interruption could have a significant negative impact on war-fighter capability. As part of its contract performance, KBR subcontracted with Tamimi Global Company, Ltd. to provide dining facility services to United States combat soldiers in Iraq at Camp Anaconda, located north of Baghdad.
KBR modified its subcontract with Tamimi Global Company to ensure continued dining facility services at Camp Anaconda and to reduce costs to the government. KBR negotiated the price of this modification in a contingency support environment never before encountered by contractors supporting United States armed forces, in a country that had few safely usable roads and lacked significant infrastructure, and in the midst of some of the worst violence of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In these circumstances, KBR, using sound business judgment, negotiated the modification so that it not only permitted the continuation of the needed dining facility services without interruptions, but resulted in significant price reductions. Nevertheless, the government believes that KBR should have accomplished more.
The government’s position is simply wrong because it completely ignores KBR’s exercise of reasonable business judgment in very unique and difficult circumstances. The governments’ position results from the Defense Contract Audit Agency’s evaluation of KBR’s efforts in Iraq on an after-the-fact basis, rather than on the contemporaneous facts, so as to maximize cost disallowances. (end of excerpt)
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Just sounds like the “It’s a war zone” excuse to me.
Here what I think should happen. The US Courts should hear KBR’s complaint using “secret arbitration” behind closed doors. KBR should get the same treatment that they dish out to their employees!
So it would appear that KBR will probably sue the US Government every single time they get caught violating their contract and have to pay money back. I also expect them to start suing the media and bloggers very soon.
Everyone better hang on to their asses. KBR is going to take those billions we tax payer paid them and use it to sue the US government (taxpayers) and anyone else who tries to stand up to them. I wonder if they are going to charge the government for the attorney’s they are using to sue the government.
Ms Sparky
Other Related Posts From Ms Sparky
- Viktor Bout convicted of conspiring to kill Americans in South America, what about those who hired, aided & abetted him in Iraq?
- United States Files Counterclaims Against KBR Alleging False Claims and Kickbacks (Updated 3/17/11)
- Viktor Bout – Coming to America
- IADCO sues KBR
- Detroit pension fund sues Halliburton and KBR for “misdeeds”
Wednesday, June 10th 2009 at 12:57 am |
How very Patriotic of them, to not only bite the hand that feeds their fat guts but also to root out the farmers who grewand prepared the food and bite their hands off too.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
This is what I think. I could be wrong. But I have been asking around. This may very well be a strategy to keep from having to change their earning statements and tell their shareholders that the earnings are much lower than reported. As long as there is a pending litigation on the money….it’s not gone for sure.
Are there any investment readers that want to comment on that.
Friday, November 18th 2011 at 12:27 am |
As usual, it is very easy to sit back and make judgment without ever getting all sides of the story. Media reports what is good for media to report. Good things don’t make good news.
What ever happened to the investigations and the audits? Did any of you attempt to see? Did anyone ask Tom Crum?
Believe me all investigations of this man, who is the epitome of integrity, found NOTHING. Why? Because there was nothing. We laugh at you people today because of the stupidity of those who claim to know the truth.
Friday, November 18th 2011 at 12:29 am |
Ms. Sparky,
Have you ever worked in a war zone?
Friday, November 18th 2011 at 5:06 am |
Yep…two years. Have you?
Wednesday, June 10th 2009 at 5:34 am |
KBR Management team during the time in question:
Randy Harl (last known- Willbros, Texas USA)
http://www.globalexchange.org/countries/mideast/iraq/2682.html
Also in an internal company memo dated May 13 obtained by CorpWatch, Randy Harl, KBR chairman, advises company employees that “one or two of our former employees may have received ‘kick backs’ from a selected contractor,” and that government investigators had been informed.
http://www.willbros.com/fw/main/Executive-Officers-21.html
Randy Harl was elected Chief Executive Officer in January of 2007, in addition to his duties as President of Willbros Group, Inc. He joined Willbros in January 2006 to serve as President and Chief Operating Officer of Willbros Group, Inc., as well as a member of the Board of Directors. Mr. Harl has over 30 years experience working with Kellogg Brown & Root (“KBR”) and its subsidiaries in a variety of officer capacities, serving as President of several of the Brown & Root business units. Mr. Harl’s experience includes executive management responsibilities for units serving both upstream and downstream oil and gas sectors as well as power, government and infrastructure sectors. He was President and CEO of KBR from March 2001 until July 2004 when he was appointed Chairman.
Tom Crum (last known- KBR, USA)
http://www.globalexchange.org/countries/mideast/iraq/2682.html
Tom Crum, Middle East chief for Halliburton’s Kellogg, Brown & Root (KBR) subsidiary, demanded that Kuwaiti Hilton staff get his wife a diamond-encrusted Cartier watch in the middle of the night, according to internal United States embassy memos.
“Get off your f&^%ing ass, put my wife in a car, and go get her a watch,” Crum is alleged to have told Camille Geha, the sales manager at Khalifa Hilton resort in Kuwait, in early 2004.
John Downey (last known- KBR, PM D&F Iraq)
http://www.davidphinney.com/pages/2006/12/insurance_waive.php
Halliburton/KBR has now billed $16 billion since the war on terror began largely from its business in coordinating camp construction and maintenance, food services and supply convoys in Iraq and Afghanistan. (That’s my rough estimate on the Pentagon’s tab.)
Much of that work has been handed out to subcontractors, while KBR tacks on a percentage surcharge for awarding and coordinating the contracts. (Imagine a pyramid of contractors with Houston-based KBR sitting at the top.)
The four KBR managers who signed the memo are:
– Tod E. Nickels, senior procurement and materials manager
– John Downey, project general manager (LOGCAP) project
– Bob Herndon, vice president, operations maintenance and logistics
– Tom Crum, chief operating officer.
Jim Spore (last known- Peregrine, Kuwait)
http://www.gglc.ph/news_press.html
Jim Spore, Peregrine’s Chief Operating Officer and Project General Manager for the Project explained “the Business Plan calls for the development of an Aviation oriented master planned Logistics and Business Center of Excellence which will be known as Global Gateway Logistics City (GGLC).
Pratap Chatterjee, Halliburton’s Army: How a Well-Connected Texas Oil Company Revolutionized the Way America Makes War (Nation Books, 2009), p. 76, 124, 140
When he retired from the navy, he would be invited to work for Halliburton/KBR in northern Iraq, to oversee among other projects, the expansion of the Balad airbase to create LSA Anaconda. With him, he would bring the men who had helped supply the Filipino workers, so as to avoid having to hire local workers.
Jim Spore (the former navy officer who was in charge of the Camp Delta construction project in Guantanamo Bay by Halliburton/KBR), as well as senior manager of Middle East operations Tom Crum……..
So Spore called up his two friends who had helped him at Guantanamo—Neil Helliwell and Toby O’Connell—who were starting up a company called Prime Projects International (PPI).
Laszlo Tibold (last known- Construction Consultant and Contractor, North Carolina USA)
http://www.globalexchange.org/countries/mideast/iraq/2682.html
Former procurement manager, Laszlo Tibold, is accused of awarding a gravel contract at five times the price of a competing offer.
“Mr. Tibold has since been fired for his contract writings there at Camp Anaconda, along with some of his buddies,” says a response to the allegation. “However their contracts still remain and we continue to pay against them.” The response is credited to the email address of Randy Harl, chairman of KBR.
http://www.rooba.net/will/archives/000764.php
Government Inspectors should look into ALL Purchases and Subcontracts written at Camp Anaconda by a certain Laszlo Tibold. Mr Tibolds business dealings should be quite an interesting read by any auditor…
Brigadier General Craig A. Peterson (retired) (last known- IAP, USA)
Pratap Chatterjee, Halliburton’s Army: How a Well-Connected Texas Oil Company Revolutionized the Way America Makes War (Nation Books, 2009), p. 165, 167
General Manager Craig Peterson, a former U.S. Army General who had commanded Task Force Falcon in Kosovo in 1999; and Keith Richard, chief of the trucking operation…………
Both Richard and Peterson quit Halliburton/KBR. Peterson took up a job with Neffgen as senior vice president at IAP Worldwide Service, the company that would later be accused of neglecting veterans at the Walter Reed hospital.
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/iraq/complete/la-na-convoy3sep03,0,3020891,full.story
After consulting with military commanders, KBR’s top managers decided to keep the convoys rolling. “If the [Army] pushes, then we push, too,” wrote an aide to Craig Peterson, KBR’s top official in Iraq .
http://peaceops.com/web/images/pdf/journal_2009_0506.pdf
KBR was the number one employer in the country by using locals. Then you have to go to another alternative; it’s either hire U.S. people or TCNs. U.S. people are very expensive and you have the transportation, so the closer you can get a labor pool, the better off you are. The end state is, and I’ll show you from the Balkan experience, KBR used to have about 600 Bosniaks in Iraq , and they had been continually employed by KBR since the 1995 beginning of Bosnia , and were by far the best employees that I had around, superbly expert, extremely dedicated.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
THANK YOU!! I hope the right people see this. I am going to forward this to some Congressional contacts.
Wednesday, June 10th 2009 at 6:41 pm |
If your looking for deadbeat and KBR CEO…Randall Harl, I was told he is a co- owner of this company called HKA Associates. Contact: “Nick Nichols” nnichols@hkaa.com
To Brigadier General Craig A. Peterson.
I agree with most of what you said. The Bosnians were great to work with. Most Albanians are criminal and half of them are or were associated with the Albanian Mafia.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Noted about Harl. As for the Bosnians, there were just as many bad one as Americans. They do seem to have a sharp personality. Maybe that is the culture.
Monday, March 8th 2010 at 8:44 am |
Baboo.. Thanks for sharing the bosnian political agenda with all of us.
Albanians are some of the hardest working and most honest people in the world.
According to your comment all Italians then should mafia and criminals right????
Monday, March 8th 2010 at 9:36 am |
The same could be said for any group of people from any country, unless of course you would like to exclude a specific country from your list.
Monday, March 8th 2010 at 12:55 pm |
The Albanian mafia consists of 15 clans, which rule the whole country territory according to French Studies on the subject. I suggest you read some history on the subject and might realize how many of them might have worked for KBR.
Thursday, June 11th 2009 at 5:22 am |
According to Peterson’s statement in the interview he states that using US people are very expensive and transportation is also an issue. I assume that he is referencing transportation from the US to the worksite in theater.
I am not an economist but these are the numbers I come up with using his 600 TCNs and rounding out their individual base salary to $2,000.00 per month and an 84 hour work week.
In the beginning the uplift was 55% and with a $2,000.00 base that amounts to $4,892.31 per month per TCN x 600 = $2,935,386.00 per month and $35,224,632.00 over a 12 month contract for the 600 TCNs.
Currently the uplift is 75% and with a $2,000.00 base that amounts to $5,261.54 per month per TCN x 600 = $3,156,924.00 per month and $ 37,883,088.00 over a 12 month contract for the 600 TCNs.
These numbers do not reflect the costs for processing new hires and in the beginning of the contract TCNs were flown from their home countries to Houston for processing prior to being sent to theater.
This is taxpayer money and once it leaves the US it does not return to support the US economy in anyway, including consumer spending, which accounts for roughly two-thirds of the GDP.
While Peterson and his counterparts are telling everyone what a great job they are doing and how much money they are saving the taxpayer and the government. The fact is that the taxpayer and the US Government are being screwed.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
You must be talking Third Country Nationals (Bosnians, Brits, Balkans etc). Hire Americans FIRST. Buy American FIRST. Then go elsewhere.
Thursday, June 11th 2009 at 8:31 am |
The incident regarding Walter Reed Hospital was brought to the forefront by a former Special Forces operator who was scheduled to for a medical appointment. Upon his arrival he noticed a Veteran who had seemed to fall from his wheel chair after trying to” hop the curb” due to non compliance issues regarding ADA access, was laying face down in the gutter as it continued to rain and nearly drowning the man. This issue was brought before members of Congress. It was only then someone finally took notice of the Hospital itself.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
I just hate the way we treat our soldiers. It really pissed me off!
Tuesday, June 16th 2009 at 11:29 am |
Ms Sparky:
Yes, I was speaking about (Bosnians, Brits etc..)that were referred to as TCNs (Third Country Nationals) at the beginning of the project and then in late 2005 or early 2006 were known as FNs (Foreign Nationals) so as not be confused with the Sub-contract labor force (SCWs). Keep in mind those estimates are purposefully a low-ball (e.g. Expat typical base $2583.00 x .80 = $2066.40). There were several TCN\FN employees that were paid the same salary as an Expat and the PM in charge has some latitude with the pay scale and the actual numbers are all over the map. The terms, conditions and special circumstances surrounding the variances in base pay might make for an interesting investigation\audit report.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
It’s like there is not law over there. Calling all investigators,,,,
Tuesday, June 16th 2009 at 11:15 pm |
Ms Sparky,
Hello again, would like to comment on this blog in reference to Tamimi. Put some more oohhs and ahhhs in everyone’s mind.
Tamimi was also the subcontractor for DFAC’s in Kuwait in 2003 besides the stated locations up north. I have had previous dealings with this subcontractor on the compliance side especially for fire & safety reasons. Tamimi originally was one of the major DFAC providers in Saudi Arabia particularly in Prince Sultan Air Base (PSAB) where the US Troops were deployed. I was there when I was in the US Air Force, so I knew who they were. As you can see, when PSAB had closed, all resources from that base was trucked to Kuwait. Hence, came with the troops the meal providers. During that time, it was a matter of Tamimi finding a Kuwaiti sponsor or business partner so they can continue their service for the military. I am sure someone from the military also made “the” phone call and “arrangements” so they can re-locate to Kuwait. Tamimi found one and placed their service in Camp Arifjan. KBR picked them up as their DFAC guru’s and was the only subcontractor to provide this service. Unknown to some local companies, Tamimi started their monopoly in the DFAC business which took away the business for the local vendors. The only one that stood in their way was the giant PWC or the Sultan Center, now also known as AGILITY.
In 2003 Camp Arifjan had Sultan Center providing DFAC in Zone 1 and Tamimi providing DFAC in Zone 2 as well as the smaller camps inside Camp Arifjan. Now, how did the Sultan Center/PWC get the contract for the DFAC? Remember Camp Doha (KUWAIT)? Where the US ARMY was first located in the early days before Camp Arifjan, well the US ARMY was leasing the land that belongs to who? You got it, PWC. PWC Sultan Center owner is also connected by blood line to the ruler of Kuwait. The business gets murkier and murkier doesn’t it.
Eventually, Tamimi knew that their dynasty was going to end in Kuwait. They had multiple issues in Kuwait to include if you remember the over-invoicing of troop meals. That’s another blog to talk about. So their next move, IRAQ.
In both locations, (Kuwait & Iraq) there was obvious lack of strict control and oversight with Tamimi. KBR was in charge of that but the USG also had a key role in that whole mess. Particularly COR’s and DCMA. I know because we audited Tamimi every month to try to catch up with all their contractual requirements. Key word is to catch up. Now popping left and right all the camps and FOB in Iraq just made the matter worst.
Now in reference to something that should interest Ms Sparky, (we’re dropping names again!) at one point KBR had an employee named Terry Hall. Google his name and you may find it….23 count indictment for bribery, fraud and money laundering offenses…in summary he created a couple of companies, bribed a contracting officer(a US Army Major) who is also now arrested including the Major’s wife. The deal? Bottled water and security fencing. The funny thing about this whole matter, not one time in the report did it mention that Mr. Terry Hall worked for KBR. Who knows I could be wrong. There could be another Terry Hall. But the coincidence is that when Mr. Hall worked for KBR, he was one if not the POC for DFACs. The DFAC GURU who was overseeing TAMIMI. 1 + 1 = 2 in my book. Is this a coincidence? If I am wrong and this two are not somewhat related, then I must be from Mars. ……my two-cents….
Ms Sparky, maybe the title “The Outsider” is the perfect one to use!
Ms Sparky’s Response:
You are a very in depth commenter! I think you are “spot on” as my Brit readers say!!
Wednesday, June 17th 2009 at 4:51 am |
http://www.zoominfo.com/people/Hall_Terry_825238092.aspx
Terry Hall
Hall is a former Army sergeant who built a career in military contracting.From 2002 to 2004, he worked for the firm Kellogg, Brown and Root and was responsible for providing food services at Camp Arifjan, a military base near Kuwait City.
Beginning in 2004, he formed companies that provided bottled water, fencing and other services to the military.In March, he was detained while entering the United States at a New York City airport.Investigators went through his laptop computer and other electronic devices.
Wednesday, June 17th 2009 at 5:23 pm |
Terry Hall. I remember him. He was doing a lot with DFACs in 2003 until 2004 when he left. He was even part of the tiger group in Kuwait.
I would be willing to bet he cleaned all the Tamimi Contracts before he left.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Tiger “Team” maybe? Cleaned?? Please elaborate.
Wednesday, June 17th 2009 at 7:26 pm |
I want to thank all of the contributors on the topic of DFAC contracts. The Sultan connection sounds very logical based upon how things work. We had similar issues dealing with Afghan warlords during my time with KBR and basically a repeat scenario when employed by different. Bribes were commonplace just to get it done. One night I received a phone call from a business associate regarding a civil project in northern Afghanistan. My associate stated the local governor and (possibly a former Taliban) wanted a 20K payment for his blessing to start the project. I asked what services would we receive in return for this payola. In the end, the project did not move forward as a result of not paying the Governors fee.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
It would appear there is a lot of fishy stuff that has been going on with the DFAC contracts. Hopefully this is all being investigated.
I think I’m missing the boat on this whole bribing thing. I can’t even get people to pay back what I loaned them let alone just give me money for the “privileged” of doing business.
Thursday, June 18th 2009 at 2:47 am |
I just found out that the reason why KBR’s name was not mentioned during the release of the 23 count indictment on Terry Hall is perhaps he was involved in the investigation of another indictment involving another Contracting Officer Maj. Cockerham. So they may not want the two being somewhat related. Yes, that’s a MAJOR hmmmmm to me…..another coincidence is it?
But one of the main reasons why the contracting office in Kuwait is so tarnished is this indictment with Maj. Cockerham and all the others involved.
I have to tell you, when I said I’ve been at the right place at the right time, sometimes I have to ask myself is it really? I was there when the FBI’s showed up in Camp Arifjan. They all showed up across the office one early morning parking their SUV’s on the dirt part, up the curve. Of course not knowing any better and strutting my so called “managerial position”, I called the Security Manager and had asked who these aholes thought they were just parking on the dirt side driving over the curve. When the person responded back, I didn’t know if I was happy or glad or excited or scared! I think all of it at the same time. I found out it was the FBI and locking down everyone in the DOL building. The only response I had back to the person on the line was, “ah ok, I guess they have authority” and just laughed.
On another incident, the parking lot across the office as well is where the US Army NCO (female) shot herself. She was somewhat tied to the dealings with the contracting office in Camp Arifjan. I showed up to work one morning and could not find a parking space because the whole covered parking was cordoned off. I thought they were doing re-work on the covers but later found out what had happened. During that month, several more arrest were done. It was implicated that the Base Commander of Camp Arifjan was placed on house arrest, then later on was sent to another location for questioning, etc, etc, etc….how high does it go? No one knows. But I’m sure somehow, someway, I’ll be there, in the right place at the right time!
Ms Sparky’s Response:
You know I have wonder if I was even in Iraq for two years. There was so much going on that I didn’t see. Disturbing.
Thursday, June 18th 2009 at 8:41 am |
I knew corruption ran deep within the contractors doing business with the military and the locals but how deep does it really go? One day everything will come to the surface and more people will be charged by federal authorities years after we leave Iraq. Much like the war crime scenario in WWII, Vietnam and the Balkans. People lives and careers will be ruined as a direct result of their behavior. In the end those who are accused and those who are convicted will ask themselves, “ Was it worth doing the time.” I can only hope they search deep within their moral compass and answer “No”
Ms Sparky’s Response:
We just got another conviction today. Could get up to 30 years! Doubt it though.
Thursday, June 18th 2009 at 11:07 am |
If they have a compass and it has not made them do the right thing by now, I fear it unlikely for a change of direction for them in the future.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
There’s no compass of any kind. Moral or otherwise. Those managers just walk around in circles with no clue.
Thursday, June 18th 2009 at 11:59 am |
To Jims thoughts;
I agree with you 100%. Someone’s compass is broke and beyond repair. I know a lot of KBR electricians tried to do the right thing as with all of the trades. I’ve seen it, heard it and believe it. I can only hope members of Congress will continue to follow the path they have started upon and uphold the dignity of those who have served without reservation. In short, members of Congress would be wise not to lessen the severity of their investigation in the name of commerce to prop up another American company that is destined for the scrap heap.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Yep. If there is any bailout of KBR I will just go freakin’ postal!
Thursday, June 18th 2009 at 8:01 pm |
So who was convicted?
Friday, July 3rd 2009 at 5:26 am |
I do not understand what is wrong if the FN Bosnian get good money that you have worked together on these projects, that people are able to deserve the same money as you
Ms Sparky’s Response:
When anyone, Bosnian, American or Ugandan has gone to school for as long as I have, has assumed the legal liability that a licensed craftsperson such as myself assumes, has tested for and maintained all the legal requirements of of a license then you are entitled to make as much money as I do.
Friday, July 3rd 2009 at 9:45 am |
For example I have walked to school 16 years, and for your information Uganda and Bosnia is not the same Bosnia IS in Europe.
for your information with regard to trade and Bosnia and America is the same, I will say the quality is the same.
the problem is there only when you have the same payment as an American he tells you you can not have paid same me because I am American.Where the democracy and respect?
I know What you think we pay taxes, I am aware of thaT but all that there is a need to know that they are in the same shit.My personally opinion is not there I worked for a $ 2000 because in Bosnia make 1300 euros.because my life is worth the same as their U.S. citizen or any other.
Friday, July 3rd 2009 at 10:07 am |
HI,DON’T THINK THAT BOSNIAN AND MACEDONIAN PEOPLE ARE INCOMPLETE AND UN-TRAINED.WE SPEAK AT LEAST TWO LANGUAGES AND HAVE A HIGH EDUCATION IN EUROPE.WE ALREADY HAD A CONTRACT WITH U.S. MILITARY AND SERVE IN NATIONAL ARMY’S OR BEEN IN WAR,WE ARE READY TO SUPPORT UNITED STATES MILITARY AND YOUR GOVERMENT IN EVERY MISSION.WE ARE NOT INDIAN’S OR NEPALI WHO CAN’T SPEAK EVEN THERE OWN LANGUAGE.PLS,HAVE A MORE RESPECT FOR FOREING PEOPLE WHO SERVE AND SUPPORT YOUR GOVERMENT WITH CIV.AND MILITARY FORCES,AND BALKANS WHO GET KILLED ON THIS PROJECT.SOME PEOPLE GET FIRED FROM KBR NOT BECOUSE OF BALKANS…THEY GET FIRED BECOUSE OF THEIR OWN SH..
AND DO NOT FORGET,WE ARE NOT UN EDUCATED PEOPLE.WE HAVE A LONG HISTORY AND TRADITION,AND LIVE IN MEADLE OF EUROPE.HAVE A MORE RESPECT FOR OTHER AND COMPANY WHO SAFE A LOT OF EMPL.FROM U.S.GETTING A JOB IN KBR.DIGNITY AND RESPECT……
Ms Sparky’s Response:
You guys are starting to spam me. Keep it up and I will have to block you.
Friday, July 3rd 2009 at 10:29 am |
I’m implying your not worth the money or as talented as the best of the Americans. Bosnians don’t pay taxes on foreign earnings. Your cost of living is much lower than it is in the United States. When you leave the project you can live like kings in Bosnia with the money you made. You are actually better off than we are. Your wages are based upon the Bosnian cost of living not American. No disrespect but I’ve heard the same from the Indians, Pakistanis and the Filipinos. They work for a while and take a break and complain they are not being paid American wages. 90% of their work is sub-standard and they all say they know what they are doing. They disassemble and cannot reassemble and when asked what happened…they blame everyone else. Yes they are like the worst of the Americans I’ve seen.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
My best electrician partner while in Iraq was Iraqi. Not because he was the best of the best, but because he was honest and had the best damn attitude. He didn’t complain because the job sucked. We both just jumped in and got it done. He was paid MUCH less the the Bosnians. Plus we were trashing his country. So if anyone had cause to complain he did…..but he didn’t.
Friday, July 3rd 2009 at 10:33 am |
HI,DON’T THINK THAT BOSNIAN AND MACEDONIAN PEOPLE ARE INCOMPLETE AND UN-TRAINED.WE SPEAK AT LEAST TWO LANGUAGES AND HAVE A HIGH EDUCATION IN EUROPE.WE ALREADY HAD A CONTRACT WITH U.S. MILITARY AND SERVE IN NATIONAL ARMY’S OR BEEN IN WAR,WE ARE READY TO SUPPORT UNITED STATES MILITARY AND YOUR GOVERMENT IN EVERY MISSION.WE ARE NOT INDIAN’S OR NEPALI WHO CAN’T SPEAK EVEN THERE OWN LANGUAGE.PLS,HAVE A MORE RESPECT FOR FOREING PEOPLE WHO SERVE AND SUPPORT YOUR GOVERMENT WITH CIV.AND MILITARY FORCES,AND BALKANS WHO GET KILLED ON THIS PROJECT.SOME PEOPLE GET FIRED FROM KBR NOT BECOUSE OF BALKANS…THEY GET FIRED BECOUSE OF THEIR OWN SH..
AND DO NOT FORGET,WE ARE NOT UN EDUCATED PEOPLE.WE HAVE A LONG HISTORY AND TRADITION,AND LIVE IN MEADLE OF EUROPE.HAVE A MORE RESPECT FOR OTHER AND COMPANY WHO SAFE A LOT OF EMPL.FROM U.S.GETTING A JOB IN KBR.DIGNITY AND RESPECT……
Ms Sparky’s Response:
I understand your contribution. I understand that you die just like anyone else. I would just like to say, it’s a US war paid for with US tax dollars and I would like to see US citizens hired first. And anyone that wants the same pay should have the same skills, credentials, licenses…..etc. American or Bosnian.
Friday, July 3rd 2009 at 10:38 am |
Admir, I believe she was trying to get across that no matter where you are from, as long as you have completed a professional course in Electrical work, whether you are Bosnain, Serbian, Ugandan, Australian, English or US or other, then you are able to apply for the job advertised but if you have not got the experience or knowledge, you should not have the job wherever you are from but many have because friends got them the job knowing they were not trained and that causes danger to many.
As far as the pay, eveyone got the same rates at the start but then the cost of living index was applied and since living in Eastern Europe is cheaper than living in the US, they decided to cut the non-nationals pay to reflect not the value of their life but the value of their insurance based on geographic origins. We are all indeed equal and some people I knew at TQ were foreigners who lived in the US for many years and they tried to pay them at teh Euro rate instea of the US rate but they backed out of it because they were living in the US.
Bamboo. I hope we can investigate the contributions to politicians and make it public who is supporting the murder of US and coalition troops. Election time coming up soon, best time to let the people know who they are supporting and who they support.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Thanks!
Friday, July 3rd 2009 at 11:00 am |
Hi don’t think that Bosnian people are in complete a untrained. We speak at least two languages and have a high education in Europe. We al ready had a contract with us military and serve in nationals army’s or been in war we are ready to support United States military and your government with civ,and military forces and Balkans who get killed on this project ,some people get fired from kbr not because of Balkans they get fired because of their own sh..
And do not forget we are un educated people we have a long history and tradition, and live in meddle of Europe ,have a more respect for other and company who safe a lot of employ from us getting a job in kbr dignity and respect kbr is best company in world and American is very good people but some people have terrible attitude
Ms Sparky’s Response:
It’s about my US tax dollars. They should go to pay US Citizens first. Then Host country nationals second.
Friday, July 3rd 2009 at 2:24 pm |
Admir,
Most of the Bosnians were more American than half of the Americans I’ve worked with. You’re a great people and some of you are my brothers for life. In several cases I decided to work with the Bosnian people instead because of the institutional and cultural racism by my fellow Americans brought to project by others.
If you lived in the United States things would be different. It’s an American business enterprise and we come first and everyone else second. Please remember, it’s an economic issue based upon your country’s cost of living! So if you think your going to make the same wage (in some cases you should) for electrical work running pipe or changing fixtures or providing another related similar service, it will never happen in your lifetime. We don’t use British or European Standards we use the American NEC National Electrical Code. Remember, just because some can quote the NEC doesn’t make them an electrician. In addition to performing the work, you have to be able to interpret the sprit of the code when presented with a challenging situation. If you don’t believe me ask any ICC Certified Building Official.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Thanks for helping me to explain that. I don’t dislike Bosnians or anyone else for that matter. But I do feel that US tax dollars should support US citizens first and then the Host Country Nationals second.
Friday, July 3rd 2009 at 8:06 pm |
Hey Admir,
You should be a good worker and go back to work. You are wasting American Taxpayer money spamming this on site on my tax dollar which pays your salary. Who do you think pays KBR?
Friday, July 3rd 2009 at 10:31 pm |
Thank you I understand and agree with you guys about tax,
I understand about paying taxes but I am not guilty if I got the opportunity to make money
honestly by once and I think it would be in my country so acted how you behave, for example, a stranger came to the Bosnian company, and make real money and my son has no job.
I completely understand, but understand that I am not guilty, and you are a great people, because when I worked about 12 years I never felt discrimination
Friday, July 3rd 2009 at 11:02 pm |
To Admir, this is my last comment on the subject:
I understand your position, but please realize anytime an American company downsizes its labor force and brings in foreign workers there is always going to be a problem.
America intervened on behalf of the Muslims to stop the genocide created by the so-called Christian Serbs. That is one right decision we made as a nation. With this being said I wish you the best of luck and keep your head down.
Saturday, July 4th 2009 at 9:49 am |
Baboo Remembers said,on July 3rd, 2009 at 8:06 pm Hey Admir,
You should be a good worker and go back to work. You are wasting American Taxpayer money spamming this on site on my tax dollar which pays your salary. Who do you think pays KBR?
I now in a house that I say I’m demob so i not spent your tax money.
I do not know where you are You probably work in KBR Company because you are constantly on the computer,
each payment that I got that you honestly say I earned it, while some here constantly complain about the KBR, which is very care about employees.
and I know who paid KBR company,and remember dignity and respect
Saturday, July 4th 2009 at 4:04 pm |
Keep your head down is American slang for “Stay Safe” from incoming weapons fire from insurgents who like to kill us!
And no I don’t work for KBR
Saturday, July 4th 2009 at 11:48 pm |
Keep your head down is American slang for “Stay Safe” from incoming weapons fire from insurgents who like to kill us!
Pardon Babo I translated it differently,about keep head down. And I know you were right about the war in Bosnia, that there was no American war should never stop, to the truth but unfortunately the genocide occurred because Europe did not want to help in time.About paying taxes and you are right but everyone goes for a better life,
I just was felt bad when someone says that they do not deserve a good salary and we have not trained enough and I gave full support to 12 years the US- army,
this honestly say that I love America more than Europe europe really do not like no way
and I know what some Bosnian are constantly not satisfied and say that deserve more, and have never asked who gives them a salary and who gives food in Iraq someone all that paid I mean American citizens, this is my last comment and you’re right, the first need to get a job American citizens and then if there is a place to help friendly countries, because the economic situation is not good anywhere in the world. I hope that you understand me and that I did not think nothing bad
Sunday, July 5th 2009 at 12:01 am |
I’m a little late but
in the name of the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina Bosnia and Herzegovina and its people, the United States and its American citizens, Congratulations Independence Day, “USA” with sincere appreciation that we are proud to have our America and the American people the greatest friends because our friendship to the best proof of our correctness understanding the world and its values.
“V I V A … A M E R I C A”