Workers still lining up for KBR jobs in Iraq

06:40 PM CDT on Friday, June 11, 2004

By Chau Nguyen / 11 News

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As of Friday, 834 Americans have died fighting in Iraq. Thirty nine KBR employees have been killed in and around Iraq.

Despite the risks, people are applying for dangerous duty with Houston-based KBR. "How are you this morning? Good," said a KBR representative as she directed applicants into the lines.

They came from all over, with resumes in hand, to a job fair unlike any other.

"We all know this project is not for everyone; don't go if you are on the fence," said a KBR recruiter.

The project? Provide support services to the military. The place? Iraq.

A recruiter from KBR talked of the tough life they face in Iraq. It means sleeping in tents and enduring 150-degree temperatures and dust storms and real dangers.

"We don't sugarcoat it. There is nothing to gain for the potential recruit or for KBR to do so," said KBR spokesperson, Patrice Mingo.

Hearing the stories would be cause enough for many people to walk out the door, but not this group of about 150 people, and not David Hawkins.

"For me, the industry is flat. Right now, I gotta provide for my family," said KBR recruit Hawkins.

For many, the chance to earn upwards of $80,000 - tax free - was all the reason needed to leave their creature comforts and enter a war zone.

"Sure, the money has a lot to do with it," said Hawkins.

KBR truck driver Thomas Hamill may have been one of the lucky ones who escaped danger, but 39 KBR employees have died working in or around Iraq.

In spite of the casualties, the company says that there is no shortage of men and women still eager to go.

"The military's over there. I guess that I can do it, too," said Hawkins.

In the search to find good work, the good work happens to be in the most dangerous place in the world.