Airmen use funds to help rebuild Iraq

  • Published
  • By Maj. Roger Lawson
  • 506th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs
KIRKUK AIR BASE, Iraq (AFPN) --  As Iraq struggles to establish a solid foundation for self-government, airmen here are lending a hand to local Iraqis.

Since July, the 506th Air Expeditionary Group has reinvested more than $300,000 of captured Iraqi money back into the local community through the commander’s emergency response program.

Formerly known as the brigade commanders’ discretionary fund, the program is funded through seized Iraqi assets. It gives commanders the ability to re-establish and rebuild the social and material infrastructure in Iraq, said Capt. Pete Jeyaram, 506th AEG staff judge advocate.

Although the Army typically uses the program, the 506th AEG commander learned from U.S. Central Command officials that the Air Force could use the funds for local projects, said Jeyaram, who is deployed from Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.

“We’ve contracted 15 projects so far -- reinvesting $307,000 back into the community, with much of that going through local contractors,” said Capt. Alex Basco, 506th AEG contracting officer, who is deployed from Langley AFB, Va.

Initial projects include equipping Iraqi police stations and hospitals, purchasing computers and equipment for several area schools, and renovating a local government radio and television station in Kirkuk. In addition, plans are being considered to restore and repair two neglected cemeteries and a mosque here.

“The future of this country ultimately lies in its ability to establish a stable, self-sufficient government. We’re using the (program’s) funds to channel money from the previous regime back into reconstruction efforts that will hopefully help the new government get on its feet,” said Col. Jim Callahan, 506th AEG commander. “From what we’ve been told, this is a first for the Air Force, and I’m proud of what we’re doing for the people of Kirkuk.”