High Hopes
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is facing obstacles and overcoming challenges to reconstruct Iraq — bringing hope to many people who had lost it.
By Col. Warren S. Lacy, USA-Ret.

How goes the war in Iraq? If you follow mainstream media, you’re probably seeing a pretty gloomy forecast. On the other hand, if you listen to the administration’s explanations, you might think the outlook is sunny. The truth, no doubt, lies between the extremes. But where do you turn for the real scoop?

In reality, the conduct of the war in Iraq — the war on terrorism— is an extremely complex subject. It’s not conducive to generalizations. And, as we often debated in journalism school, true objectivity in news reporting is virtually impossible. We all tend to color our worldview as a result of our past experiences and personal biases.

From MOAA’s point of view, however, there is one truth. And that would be the dedication and quality of our military men and women. Our bias is to support the troops who are ­— in our view — doing a fantastic job fighting the war on terrorism, both at home and in places like Iraq and Afghanistan.

For these reasons, in Military Officer we like to report from the point of view of the military men and women currently serving in the field. What are they seeing and thinking? This month we visit with members of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Gulf Region Division (GRD). They are a team of military and civilian professionals working to help rebuild Iraq. In our story “Raising Iraq,” page 44, members of that team candidly appraise their successes and challenges.

Brig. Gen. William H. McCoy, GRD commander, predicts that when U.S. reconstruction efforts end, Iraq still will have problems. “But in a lot of places,” says McCoy, “we are going to have fresh water, we’re going to have places where sewage is treated, we’re going to have electricity, we’re going to have kids in schools that have floors rather than just mud. We’re making a difference. That’s the part that Americans can be proud of.”

We’re all proud of the work American servicemembers are doing. But how many of us have expressed that pride and thanked our troops directly? A number of MOAA chapters have done so and immediately helped actively serving military people and their families. Check out “Caring for Our Own” on page 56 to read about the many programs MOAA chapters conduct to show gratitude to our servicemembers.

Are you looking for ways to support our troops and their families? Look no further than your local MOAA chapter.