Alabama Grandmother Likes Helping Iraqi People (Our Kind of Raging Grannie)

Defend America News ^ | Nov 30, 2005 | Norris Jones

[SandRat]

U.S. Army Dorothy Ivey
Alabama Grandmother Likes Helping Iraqi People
By Norris Jones Gulf Region Central District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers AL ASAD, Iraq, Nov. 30, 2005 — Although she qualified for full retirement in October with nearly a quarter-century of government service, Dorothy Ivey opted for duty in Iraq. She serves as a construction representative at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Region Central’s remote Al Asad office, west of Baghdad. She arrived in September on six-month orders. “I’m just not the retiree-type person right now,” the grandmother of three says. “My husband is retired and he’s great at it. I’m sure it’s nice, but I really don’t intend to do it anytime soon.” Prior to deploying to Iraq, Ivey worked in the USACE Latin America Area Office, in Mobile, Ala., inputting data in both the Resident Management System and the financial management system on construction projects the office oversees. She is involved in similar work in Al Asad keeping track of construction progress on schools, medical clinics, and a hospital benefiting the Iraqi people there. She is also the USACE representative at several construction sites on the base. Ivey said she believes in the Iraq mission. “I think these people wanted freedom and what we’re doing is helping provide that,” she added. “Some never had a say in the direction their country was taking. Considering the recent vote on the constitution, now they do. Can you imagine living without having these rights? I definitely wanted to get involved and do my share.” She says her family is somewhat concerned about where she is working but very supportive. And it’s her family she misses most, including her husband Bill, their three adult sons, and especially her grandchildren – a 12-year-old granddaughter and 10-year-old and 6-year-old grandsons. Ivey works on the second largest air base in Iraq. “I’m so proud seeing our troops and (I) admire every one of them for what they’re doing and the courage they show every day as they head out the gate,” she said. “They’ve got a great attitude.” Ivey knows something about living overseas in general and the Middle East in particular. She lived in Iran from 1974-75 and worked in Honduras from 2000-2001.	Dorothy Ivey, a construction representative at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Region Central, said she is proud of American troops and “admires every one of them for what they're doing." U.S. Army photo by Norris Jones She says the one difference between those places and her current assignment is that she never had to fear an incoming mortar round. She also finds herself being cautious when she’s driving around – “for instance, I try to stay in someone else’s tire tracks when I’m on a dusty road – I think about the possibility of Improvised Explosive Devices and I believe it’s a good idea to be careful.” She said she can see herself returning for another tour in Iraq after she completes this one. “I wouldn’t hesitate.” One of Ivey’s favorite activities with the Al Asad staff is Friday evening’s “luau” when they grill hamburgers and hot dogs, watch a movie, and enjoy some camaraderie. “Our Officer in Charge is Navy Lt. Cmdr. Nickolas Florez, whose last duty station was Hawaii. It brings a touch of home and offers a great time to relax and enjoy.”

[SandRat]

Now that's a Raging Granny we can support!!!

[Clintonfatigued]

She's far, far more deserving of press coverage than Cindy Shaheen.

[ExcursionGuy84]

And She actually does look So Much more attractive as well..

[Calpernia]

“I’m just not the retiree-type person right now,” the grandmother of three says. “My husband is retired and he’s great at it. I’m sure it’s nice, but I really don’t intend to do it anytime soon.”

Prior to deploying to Iraq, Ivey worked in the USACE Latin America Area Office, in Mobile, Ala., inputting data in both the Resident Management System and the financial management system on construction projects the office oversees. She is involved in similar work in Al Asad keeping track of construction progress on schools, medical clinics, and a hospital benefiting the Iraqi people there. She is also the USACE representative at several construction sites on the base.

[E.G.C.]

BTTT