William Loiry Thanks Iraq War Veterans

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.