FLORIDA – December 18, 2011. Today, the final U.S. military troops left Iraq. History will determine exactly why the Iraq War was started, but the statistics are indisputable:
• 4,487 U.S service members were killed
• More than 30,000 U.S. service members were wounded
• More than 150,000 Iraqis were killed
• More than $800 billion was spent on the war by the U.S.
As always in times of great strife and turmoil, my team and I were there. Equity International, through its Center for Reconstruction & Development (www.rec-dev.com), brought thousands of government, military, diplomatic, business, nonprofit, and humanitarian leaders together to identify and plan for immediate humanitarian relief and long-term economic reconstruction. Our first Iraq reconstruction conference was held on May 5, 2003, just five days after President Bush declared an end to the initial military campaign.
Based on our experience, here are my recommendations for moving forward with future reconstruction plans:
• Future reconstruction forums and plans must include the involvement of those we are trying to help. To my dismay, past U.S. and international forums focusing on the reconstruction of countries and regions hit by man-made and natural disasters have not included enough representation from those we are trying to help. This arrogance limits us with essential insight. Our forums have always included ministers and ambassadors as well as businesses and nonprofit leaders from countries we are trying to assist.
• Future reconstruction plans must include the involvement of the private sector. The initial international governmental reconstruction forums on Iraq did not include the private sector, even though we requested representation. The private sector provides on-the-ground implementation of reconstruction programs and therefore must be included in the planning if we are to reap the most efficient and successful use of international aid in the future.
• Future reconstruction plans must include lessons learned from past reconstruction programs. Even though we had five years worth of expertise from reconstruction of the Balkans from 1996 – 2000, almost no one from that campaign was consulted as Iraq reconstruction plans were designed. Starting from scratch each time we need a response to a man-made or natural disaster is foolish and unnecessary.
In all, 1.5 million Americans served in the Iraq War. The effects on many are long-lasting and potentially devastating. As a country, the U.S. must:
• Provide veterans not only enough medical treatment for physical scars from the war, but also provide new and effective health and wellness programs for vets and their families. These are essential to effectively combat the psychological impact of the war and keep our military families happy and healthy.
• Provide veterans with jobs. There is no excuse that in America, any American veteran of the Iraq War is homeless and without hope.
Finally, I’d like to say thank you to the families of U.S. service members and other American government officials who were killed; the families of private reconstruction executives and relief workers who were killed; to all who were wounded while pursuing security, relief, and reconstruction; and to everyone who tried to make Iraq a better place.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Gulf Coast Leadership Forum Disputes Feinberg Claim That There Are No Health Problems From Oil Spill
New Orleans – June 8, 2011. The Gulf Coast Leadership Forum is disputing assertions from Gulf Coast Claims Facility Czar Kenneth Feinberg that Gulf Coast residents are not experiencing medical difficulties from last year’s BP oil spill and the subsequent use of toxic dispersants.
On Monday, Feinberg told Louisiana lawmakers that he hasn’t seen any medical linkage of the oil and dispersants and health problems.
“This assertion is nonsense,” said Gulf Coast Leadership Forum Chairman William Loiry. “Medical evidence from Florida to Texas indicates that at least 100,000 Americans are suffering health problems as a result of the oil spill and the toxic dispersants. The number could be much higher. This is a national tragedy which must be addressed openly and truthfully.”
Feinberg was a featured speaker at the Gulf Coast Leadership Summit in April, convened by the Gulf Coast Leadership Forum. The Summit included general sessions on Gulf Coast health and the environment as well as a general session on the concerns of Gulf Coast residents. Numerous Gulf Coast residents spoke about their medical difficulties arising from the oil spill and dispersants.
Subsequently, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has asked the Gulf Coast Leadership Forum to help it provide training to doctors and medical facilities throughout the Gulf Coast to respond to the increasing oil-related medical crisis.
In addition, the Gulf Coast Leadership Forum will be organizing a major conference on the Gulf Coast health crisis and is working with Silicon Valley to develop a database to track individual medical cases related to the oil and dispersants.
On Monday, Feinberg told Louisiana lawmakers that he hasn’t seen any medical linkage of the oil and dispersants and health problems.
“This assertion is nonsense,” said Gulf Coast Leadership Forum Chairman William Loiry. “Medical evidence from Florida to Texas indicates that at least 100,000 Americans are suffering health problems as a result of the oil spill and the toxic dispersants. The number could be much higher. This is a national tragedy which must be addressed openly and truthfully.”
Feinberg was a featured speaker at the Gulf Coast Leadership Summit in April, convened by the Gulf Coast Leadership Forum. The Summit included general sessions on Gulf Coast health and the environment as well as a general session on the concerns of Gulf Coast residents. Numerous Gulf Coast residents spoke about their medical difficulties arising from the oil spill and dispersants.
Subsequently, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has asked the Gulf Coast Leadership Forum to help it provide training to doctors and medical facilities throughout the Gulf Coast to respond to the increasing oil-related medical crisis.
In addition, the Gulf Coast Leadership Forum will be organizing a major conference on the Gulf Coast health crisis and is working with Silicon Valley to develop a database to track individual medical cases related to the oil and dispersants.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Loiry Family Suffers Two Tragedies In One Day
Sylacauga, Alabama and Panama City Florida - May 28, 2011. Eleanor Hare, beloved aunt of William Loiry and brother of Dr. David A. Loiry, died today at age 81. She was a life-long resident of Sylacauga, Alabama and the matriarch of a large and loving family, leaving behind 14 grandchildren and step-grandchildren and 18 great-granchildren. She was the daughter of Samuel and Ruth Loiry.
Anthony Petracca, 43, was shot to death when he answered the door to his Panama City Beach, Florida home in the early morning hours of May 28, 2011. Arrests have been made in the case. Petracca was the partner of Michelle Bearty, niece of William Loiry, and was the father of little Tony, grand-nephew of William Loiry. Both Michelle and little Tony were at home at the time of the shooting.
The Loiry Family appreciates your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Anthony Petracca, 43, was shot to death when he answered the door to his Panama City Beach, Florida home in the early morning hours of May 28, 2011. Arrests have been made in the case. Petracca was the partner of Michelle Bearty, niece of William Loiry, and was the father of little Tony, grand-nephew of William Loiry. Both Michelle and little Tony were at home at the time of the shooting.
The Loiry Family appreciates your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
William Loiry Tours Alabama Tornado Destruction
TUSCALOOSA, ALA - May 8, 2011. William Loiry arrived in Tuscaloosa, Alabama yesterday and immediately began touring the devastation caused by monster tornadoes on April 27. "Many areas look like the aftermath of a nuclear holocaust," Loiry said. "Terrible destruction. But there is wonderful resilience from the people of Alabama and lots of people helping." You can too. Get the latest information at http://www.alabamas13.com/ or make contributions at http://www.uwca.org/ and http://www.givetuscaloosa.com/.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
William Loiry Applauds Demise of Osama bin Laden
WASHINGTON – May 1, 2011. Anti-terrorism leader William Loiry applauded the news today from President Barack Obama that “justice has been done” in the demise of the world’s number one terrorist, Osama bin Laden.
“Osama bin Laden must now confront the souls of the 3,000 people he murdered in 2001 – may God have mercy on his soul” said Loiry. “He was not acting as an agent of Islam – he was a deranged agent of evil, who inflicted momentous pain not only on Christians and Jews but also on Muslims.”
In 1998, William Loiry and his team organized the first conference on the threat of Osama bin Laden on Americans overseas. Since the terrorist attacks of 9-11, Loiry and his team have brought thousands of leaders together in Washington to focus on solutions to continuing terrorist threats, including Congressional forums and other Washington events on emergency communications, bioterrorism, infrastructure protection, cyberterrorism protection, transportation security, and border security.
Loiry, Chairman of the United States Leadership Forum and the Homeland Security Leadership Forum added, “The demise of Osama bin Laden does not mean that the terrorist threat to America is over. We must continue to be vigilant. And we must also continue to insist that love triumphs over all evil.”
“Osama bin Laden must now confront the souls of the 3,000 people he murdered in 2001 – may God have mercy on his soul” said Loiry. “He was not acting as an agent of Islam – he was a deranged agent of evil, who inflicted momentous pain not only on Christians and Jews but also on Muslims.”
In 1998, William Loiry and his team organized the first conference on the threat of Osama bin Laden on Americans overseas. Since the terrorist attacks of 9-11, Loiry and his team have brought thousands of leaders together in Washington to focus on solutions to continuing terrorist threats, including Congressional forums and other Washington events on emergency communications, bioterrorism, infrastructure protection, cyberterrorism protection, transportation security, and border security.
Loiry, Chairman of the United States Leadership Forum and the Homeland Security Leadership Forum added, “The demise of Osama bin Laden does not mean that the terrorist threat to America is over. We must continue to be vigilant. And we must also continue to insist that love triumphs over all evil.”
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
William Loiry Hosts Gulf Coast Leadership Summit
William Loiry hosted the Gulf Coast Leadership Summit, held April 18 - 21, 2011 in New Orleans. The inaugural forum provided an invaluable service to New Orleans and residents of the U.S. Gulf Coast:
* The Summit brought together hundreds of business, government, nonprofit, and community leaders to discuss specific strategies to empower a healthy and economically vibrant Gulf Coast.
* Senator Bob Graham and Members of the National Oil Spill Commission pushed for implementation of regulations which would help prevent another oil spill disaster.
* Ken Feinberg promised nonprofit organizations that he would look into reimbursing them for services rendered to Gulf Coast residents affected by the oil spill.
* Senator Mary Landrieu promised Gulf Coast residents that she would make their oil spill-related health concerns a major priority.
* And Senator Landrieu used the Summit's Concluding General Session to announce BP's $1 billion contribution for Gulf Coast coastal recovery.
More than 700 leaders and residents participated in the various events of the Summit, which included numerous general sessions, a town hall meeting, press conferences and interviews, networking events, receptions, and a solutions expo.
Dozens of speakers made powerful presentations on a wide range of Gulf Coast topics, including pending oil spill regulations, the impact of the oil spill on communities, speeding the oil spill compensation process, health perspectives, environmental and coastal restoration, clean energy, and economic development. Speakers included Senator Bob Graham, Co-Chairman of the National Oil Spill Commission; U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu; U.S. Rep. Cedric Richmond; U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise; Gulf Coast Claims Facility Administrator Kenneth Feinberg; attorney Daniel E. Becnel, Jr.; Louisiana State Senator A.G. Crowe; Plaquemines Parish President Billy Nungesser; Jefferson Parish President John Young; Orange Beach, Alabama Mayor Tony Kennon; Escambia County, Florida Commissioner Grover Robinson; Entergy CEO Charles Rice; Alabama Coastal Recovery Commission Chairman Ricky Mathews; Gulf Restoration Network Executive Director Cynthia Sarthou; LSU School of Pubic Health Dean Elizabeth Fontham; and dozens of other leaders.
Local, regional, national, and international media coverage of the Summit was substantial.
Loiry subsequently received a letter of commendation from Senator Bob Graham, who wrote, "If the purpose of the Gulf Coast Leadership Summit was to be the premier event of the first anniversary of the Macondo tragedy, then you have exceeded your aspirations. It was attended by the people most involved, focused their attention on not just the event itself, but what steps are needed to mitigate a repetition, and was engaging for all. Congratulations."
* The Summit brought together hundreds of business, government, nonprofit, and community leaders to discuss specific strategies to empower a healthy and economically vibrant Gulf Coast.
* Senator Bob Graham and Members of the National Oil Spill Commission pushed for implementation of regulations which would help prevent another oil spill disaster.
* Ken Feinberg promised nonprofit organizations that he would look into reimbursing them for services rendered to Gulf Coast residents affected by the oil spill.
* Senator Mary Landrieu promised Gulf Coast residents that she would make their oil spill-related health concerns a major priority.
* And Senator Landrieu used the Summit's Concluding General Session to announce BP's $1 billion contribution for Gulf Coast coastal recovery.
More than 700 leaders and residents participated in the various events of the Summit, which included numerous general sessions, a town hall meeting, press conferences and interviews, networking events, receptions, and a solutions expo.
Dozens of speakers made powerful presentations on a wide range of Gulf Coast topics, including pending oil spill regulations, the impact of the oil spill on communities, speeding the oil spill compensation process, health perspectives, environmental and coastal restoration, clean energy, and economic development. Speakers included Senator Bob Graham, Co-Chairman of the National Oil Spill Commission; U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu; U.S. Rep. Cedric Richmond; U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise; Gulf Coast Claims Facility Administrator Kenneth Feinberg; attorney Daniel E. Becnel, Jr.; Louisiana State Senator A.G. Crowe; Plaquemines Parish President Billy Nungesser; Jefferson Parish President John Young; Orange Beach, Alabama Mayor Tony Kennon; Escambia County, Florida Commissioner Grover Robinson; Entergy CEO Charles Rice; Alabama Coastal Recovery Commission Chairman Ricky Mathews; Gulf Restoration Network Executive Director Cynthia Sarthou; LSU School of Pubic Health Dean Elizabeth Fontham; and dozens of other leaders.
Local, regional, national, and international media coverage of the Summit was substantial.
Loiry subsequently received a letter of commendation from Senator Bob Graham, who wrote, "If the purpose of the Gulf Coast Leadership Summit was to be the premier event of the first anniversary of the Macondo tragedy, then you have exceeded your aspirations. It was attended by the people most involved, focused their attention on not just the event itself, but what steps are needed to mitigate a repetition, and was engaging for all. Congratulations."
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
DHS Secretary Forum Thanks William Loiry
Andrea Mitchell, Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent for NBC News, thanked William Loiry and the Homeland Security Leadership Forum for support of this morning’s discussion at Georgetown University featuring DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano, former DHS Secretary Tom Ridge, and former DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff.
Support of the DHS forum continues the mission of the Homeland Security Leadership Forum, which facilitates effective homeland security solutions by bringing together Congressional, DHS, and business leaders.
This morning’s DHS forum also featured questions from Senator Mary Landrieu, Chair of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Disaster Recovery Subcommittee, and Congressman Peter King, Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security.
Support of the DHS forum continues the mission of the Homeland Security Leadership Forum, which facilitates effective homeland security solutions by bringing together Congressional, DHS, and business leaders.
This morning’s DHS forum also featured questions from Senator Mary Landrieu, Chair of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Disaster Recovery Subcommittee, and Congressman Peter King, Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security.
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