LESTER S. DIXON
Posted by smahaskey
I served in Iraq as a senior executive with the Army Corps of Engineers in 2007. Every day was memorable in that I was in the company of heroes. Leading a joint team of military personnel, DA civilians, U.S. and international contractors, and Iraqi nationals, I witnessed daily acts of selfless service, courage, accomplishment, sacrifice, and suffering.
The Corps of Engineers’ role was to help the Iraq government restore critical infrastructure — energy, oil, transportation, water, medical, education and communication. This was a period of increased insurgent activity, and many of our convoys and construction sites were targeted. The Corps team persevered with boldness and courage.
I still study Arabic daily and often think of the heroes still serving in Iraq.
Dixon is director of programs, South Atlantic Division, Army Corps of Engineers.