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Two U.S. Senators today are requesting a meeting with Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and the mother of a U.S. soldier who has been informed by an Army investigator that her son’s death by electrocution at his base in Baghdad has been re-classified by the Army from “accidental” to “negligent homicide” by contractor KBR and two of its supervisors….
Dorgan noted the Army originally told Harris her son was electrocuted because he carried an electrical appliance into the shower. The Army later retreated from that account, saying Staff Sgt. Maseth was electrocuted by wires hanging above the shower, an account that was also inaccurate….
“Those who receive contracts to serve our soldiers have an obligation to do so responsibly,” Dorgan said. “We want to know what Secretary Gates intends to do to ensure that contractors are acting responsibly, particularly in light of the Army’s reported finding that KBR and its supervisors may have been criminally negligent. We also want to know why the DOD has not pursued a process to debar contractors who are fleecing our taxpayers and putting soldiers at risk.”
Last July, the DPC held hearings regarding the deaths of American soldiers serving in Iraq due to shoddy electrical work done by contractor KBR — work which was known to be substandard at the time of the deaths, but which was not corrected. Since then, the investigation shifted away from allowing KBR to audit itself to having independent forensics be done by DOD personnel…but the contract with KBR for continued electrical work continues because it’s been dubbed too big to terminate.
Would that Staff Sgt. Maseth had been able to make that argument rather than be electrocuted by shoddy, negligent electrical work.
The American public deserves solid answers on this, since our taxpayer dollars are still pouring out to KBR. Good for Sens. Dorgan and Casey (PDF) for continuing to push for accountability.
(YouTube — Sen. Dorgan from the presser on this issue.)
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Where is the black ball for these clowns?
Thanks for this post Christy. Have been so hopeful this issue would get some sunlight/attention.
Guess they’ve been waiting for Darth to leave.
How many troops have died this way? Any number for Private contractors in Iraq or is KBR and Hal keeping that secret?
My favorite part of this was that, initially, they were allowing KBR to investigate itself over these multiple allegations and they thought that military families would find their half-assed answers to be sufficient.
Um….no.
Are they going to Prosecute?
Let’s hope this is the first of many investigations that result in charges being filed.
A lot of shady goings on over in the big Sandbox have been swept under the rug.
Things like knowingly distributing polluted water to our troops.
That one still pisses me off.
I don’t think they have a certain answer on this because until DPC started pushing questions on behalf of family members who were getting the runaround, the Pentagon wasn’t even admitting that there was a problem with KBR’s wiring. And KBR was downplaying most of these as suicides.
They tried to say this particular staff sgt. took a toaster into the shower with him, fer hell’s sakes, when there was no evidence other than their shoddy report that was even a possibility. And no evidence whatsoever that it was remotely true.
Disgraceful.
Yes — they could prosecute not only supervisors and others who made decisions to deliberately not fix what they were notified was faulty and dangerous wiring — but the company itself could face criminal charges — depending on the outcome of this investigation.
A Staff Sargeant is an E6, the equivalent to a Navy First Class Petty Officer. It takes at least 12 years to get to E6 in the Navy and they can serve 20 years before “up or out.” It would have been very, very seriously “unsat”* for an Army E6 to have “carried an electrical appliance into the shower.” Not noticing electrical wires dangling above isn’t much more aware or alert.
*unsat – short for unsatisfactory, usually said as “What!?!? Unsat. Drop!” (And do pushups)
Why do you need accountants unless there is another investigation going on about something like over billing?
This is open electrical wires near water negligent homicide the fact that this is not the first case I’ve heard suggests that this wasn’t a one time accident.
Per this story from CNN last May on Maseth’s death, he was #12.
Who was saying this KBR or the army because it sounds to me like who ever said it is lying to protect KBR. And I want them Prosecuted!
And this one from the NY Times last week puts the number at 18.
Since the hearing last July, I believe several more families have come forward with questions about the information they received concerning a loved one’s death that didn’t square with medical findings and comrade information and such. So there may be several more possible at this point…
Hmm, on second thought, I’ve known people to make E6 in eight years. But anyway, one has to have reached a high level of professionalism.
OT House passes stimulous package – not one repub vote
Yeah — the whole “took a toaster in the shower with him on a lark” type of story does not fly, does it?
Knock me over with a feather…
Digg it.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/05/…..index.html
12 solders die but the KBR contract is to big to terminate just how many solders have to die before KBR loses a contract?
I want KBR and Hal banned from all government contracts now! In the real world nobody would think twice about them losing their contracts.
I hope the president understands now that the Rethugs are not going to do anything even remotely like cooperating with him. They do not care if the entire country goes down the tubes as long as they can say, “We did not go along”
12 dead I think KBR is liable.
Is anyone else just seething at the thought that someone would even have to double-check on electrical wiring quality in the showers of our service people while they are serving overseas? Jeebus, the craptastic money-funnel of outsourcing is getting on my last nerve…
Electrical codes do not allow an electrical outlet within 3 ft of a tub or shower unless the plug is GFI protected. Cords on toasters are less than three feet long. DUH
Somehow I can’t believe that KBR is the best firm for the job. Somehow I can’t believe that there are not other firms that can do a better job.
KBR should be replaced Stat and have their all their Contracts terminated!
Things have changed. I made E6 in 8 years. Passed the Chief’s exam in my 13th but wouldn’t extend.
Yeah, we’re not talking about some guy who just got off the bus and doesn’t know how to march yet. We’re talking about a guy with serious responsibilities who has probably hollered at many junior people for dumb things just like that.
I wonder what it would take for the Pentagon to get over that “too big to terminate” hurdle. It’s probably a function of rank . . . the death of one general in circumstances like this would have had KBR out on their tails and the people responsible standing before a judge before the general’s funeral was over. But how many enlisted folks would have to die to get the same result?
The very idea of a company whose contract is too big to terminate and whose victims are too lowly to be concerned about ought to piss off every member of the US military — active duty, reserve, and retired.
As a matter of fact all plugs in bathrooms are required to be GFI protected.
I think it’s possible to do it even in 6, but you’re right, 8 is more the norm.
whaddyamean? I do my best toasting in the shower.
Just who is doing the wiring for KBR on this job? Somehow I’m guessing its not Union Electricians. Are they qualified for this kind of work?
One of the corniest training films the Navy ever made was “110 Volts: Deadly Shipmate.” Very effective though and was mandatory viewing at least twice a year on most ships. Showed really stupid stuff like sticking a fork in a toaster.
The contract could be broken up into a series of smaller contracts. This to big to break up shit is just a crock.
Good lord — that title alone is heinous!
Is there any chance at all we could find out who in the House and Senate have significant holdings of Halliburton or KBR stock?
Each service has different promotion speeds. In the USAF, I made E5 under 4 1/2 and was a fast burner. I would have been eligible to test for E6 if I had re-enlisted.
Army has pretty much always made ranks a little faster than AF and I believe Navy but they also could lose rank faster.
It is indeed possible to make E6 in 6 years. Gotta pass every exam in the minimum time, though. It’s passing the E6 exam where it gets more difficult.
It’s not just you, Christy. :( in fact, my comment on the matter is currently “in moderation” because it makes me so mad/crazy.
If folks could give this a digg, I’d very much appreciate it. Thanks.
Does that seem to start with Cornyn?
Dugg
DUGG and Commented. Please folks, leave a comment on digg, it adds an extra DIGG!
So the people who said he killed himself did they have a toaster as evidence did he have a 30 or more feet electrical cord plugged in?
Were they manufacturing evidence or was their word just believed?
I for one would not like to see KBR and its ilk get the contracts for rebuilding this country’s infrastructure. “The deceased was carrying a toaster when he stepped into the puddle beneath that streetlamp.” “Bridges aren’t supposed to last, and a few always fail when you start to use them, anyway.”
How about the former WH or (Naval Observatory)
Darth still has some I think but very good question. Who is aiding the Prince of Darkness keep his contracts?
Also does anyone in the military have stock or a job offer or a friend who took a job offer at KBR or Hal?
Ships are made of aluminum and steel. Fire is the greatest danger but there are electrical conduits everywhere. Passageways routinely have cable runs in the overhead from one side to the other. The wiring to a regular plug outlet, which is covered by a spring loaded cap, is encased in a cable almost 1/2 inch in diameter. They take electricity very seriously.
Funny you should ask.
Odd . . . I can’t seem to find a link to that “public searchable website” anywhere on the Ethics Committee’s site. Got to run to dinner, so maybe someone else can find it.
Oh, I get that — FIL was in the Navy and hubby was a Naval Academy attendee. Anyone whose ever walked onto a sub or a ship ought to know a fire hazard would be hell.
But that title was awful. Just awful. *g*
Yeah nobody who worked in Iraq should get a stimulus plan contract I’m looking at you Bechtel!
Ooops, meant to say FIL was in navy (WWII) and marines (Korea) …he’d kill me if I forgot to mention the latter. *G*
LOL. They’re prolly still showing it.
You can’t beat a good solid safety film.
My bro was an electrician on a nuclear carrier. He was also concerned about steam lines.
ABC reporting that a CIA agent had to leave Algeria after it came out that two women independently accused him of rape. He apparently used tranquillizers on them. A Grand Jury is looking into it. But this is not the kind of PR you want in the Moslem world.
Good. Let’s hope the Repukes lose THEIR jobs, house, health care next time. Then we can give them “TAX BREAK” to “Let them eat cake!”
Everybody always moaned and groaned but everybody paid attention. They must electrocute this poor guy a dozen times. Working on an electrical widget while water runs down both arms and puddles at his feet was another of the scenes. As you can imagine, there was always a very vocal audience.
NPR Gave it big coverage; sounded bad
Maybe we should send the CEO and COO of KBR to China for ajudication.
A pin hole in a high pressure (hp) steam line will cut a man in half. In the old days snipes (engineers) walked around in the fireroom, where the boilers are, moving a broom stick up and down in front of them to avoid the pinhole leak that you can’t see. Fireroom is so noisy you can’t hear the steam escaping.
Pups, violent fantasizing about the fates of people is a personal matter, but not to be shared on these pages, if you please.
Thank you all.
so much for “bipartisant government
so how fast does obama learn his lesson?
I wish I could credit the poster who came up with the idea downstairs a few but an excellant strategy right now, since the republicans didn’t helo one bit, the democrats shouold to re-write the bill without the “concessions” that were barterd, I would even thow in some tax increases on the wealthy for good measure
Boo-yah for my homestate ND Senator. OT, but just heard another report on peanut butter food safety on NBC Nightly News. Still have heard no mention at all of the paper trail “follow the money” on this. Why did the problem begin in 2001…and continue up to now?
Yeah, I know, too. But why the silence in the media?
yes.
them too
Works for me.
Congressional Dems needs themselves a pair of enforcers. One for the House side, one for the Senate side… strong spokesmen [or women]. Enough of the namby-pamby Pelosi-Reid personas.
We were talking about this earlier today.
Dugg
“shoddy” is kind, “irresponsible”, “miserable”, “incompetant”, “criminal”
these words work better, they knew they were not following protocol
There were electrical code violations. A bathroom should only have GFI plugs or circuits. At the slightest hint of a shock it would trip the breaker before anything serious happened.
and I bet they weren’t union electricians…we should really make a point of that as well
” John Cornyn is the Senator from KBR/Halliburton. “
” I believe that Cornyn is less worried about intelligence agents than he is about private contractors who committed atrocities in Iraq in the name of greed, not national security. “
” When John Cornyn was Texas Attorney General he refused to intervene when Halliburton shredded documents which had been subpoenaed in a lawsuit “
http://journals.democraticunde…..Taylor/363
Thanks Christy.
Dugg.
Molly Ivins pretty much said he is Senator b/c he’s a good looking Son…B…That is, looks like a senator. How nice;)
Molly had passed before I learned to use a computer. I have read lots of her works, though. What a character she was! She cut through the bull like a hot knife in butter. As I wander around..often Molly is referenced on sites. Where is Molly when we need her..and what would Molly say..are two of the most common statements.
She had a “bead” on W very early….I still wonder if she had any idea how bad he would be. She surely was one of a kind.
Hard to say how skilled the employees were. KBR gets away with saying that no worker is even an employee. With immunity granted, I’d imagine that contracts go to the lowest bidder irregardless of qualifications or country of origin.
****************
” CAYMAN ISLANDS – Kellogg Brown & Root, the nation’s top Iraq war contractor and until last year a subsidiary of Halliburton Corp., has avoided paying hundreds of millions of dollars in federal Medicare and Social Security taxes by hiring workers through shell companies based in this tropical tax haven. “
” More than 21,000 people working for KBR in Iraq – including about 10,500 Americans – are listed as employees of two companies that exist in a computer file on the fourth floor of a building on a palm-studded boulevard here in the Caribbean. “
” But there is one circumstance in which KBR does claim the workers as its own: when it comes to receiving the legal immunity extended to employers working in Iraq. “
” Then, in 2002, the firm received a secret contract to draw up plans to restore Iraq’s oil production after the US-led invasion of Iraq. “
http://www.boston.com/news/wor….._offshore/
Did you note the last sentence, everyone? The war in Iraq was about the oil. I still find it difficult to believe that so many think it was 911 and/or Sadaam. Psyops through MSM works wonders.
I am sure that she did. She did not appear to miss much when it came to seeing the reality, rather than the smoke screen that others saw.
” The documents contain a map of Iraqi oilfields, pipelines, refineries and terminals, as well as 2 charts detailing Iraqi oil and gas projects, and “Foreign Suitors for Iraqi Oilfield Contracts.” The documents are dated March 2001. “
http://www.judicialwatch.org/s…..oil-fields
Frontline did a four part series on contractors in Irag (2005). While I did not learn about electrical contractors, jobs on military bases are filled by workers from the Philippines and India. Massive profits to be made by hiring people from poor countries. I don’t believe the KBR stance that they are only making a small profit. The KBR head at the time of the video is x-military; the revolving door. The reporter could not get any straight answers as to the cost of running the bases. At one base, though, a military rep. said that the meals cost $20 a plate. Because KBR is private; the US taxpayer cannot find out what he/she is paying for. None of your business says the Pentagon. With that attitude in place, I doubt that anyone can find out the qualifications of electricians, or anyone else, hired by KBR. It was video #3 if you are interested.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/…..iors/view/