Dr. Skelly Speaks About His Iraq Experience
Jenny Erasmus
Issue date: 4/5/06 Section: News
- Page 1 of 2 next >
On Wednesday, March 29 Dr. Joseph Skelly, a history professor at the College of Mount Saint Vincent spoke at the Project Peace assembly. At this annual event, high school students from the area are invited to the CMSV for a morning of guest speakers and presentations discussing teen problems and promoting peace. Dr. Skelly shared his experience in Iraq and spoke about what he did to spread peace there.
As a member of the United States Army Reserves, Dr. Skelly was in Iraq from September 2004 to August 2005. He was assigned as a public education officer in the city of Baquba, located north of Baghdad. Dr. Skelly explained that his "primary job was to interact with Iraqi people". He demonstrated ways that the United States wants to help.
During the year that he spent in Iraq, Dr. Skelly was in charge of coordinating the renovation of numerous schools within the area. Dr. Skelly and his fellow workers were given three million dollars and managed to repair 35 schools while employing many local contractors and laborers. Skelly described this valuable and needed project as "a small way the American Army and American government are promoting peace in Iraq".
Among the schools repaired were Yarmouk University, Baquba Technical Institute, the University of Diyala, and the Teaching Institute for Women. Dr. Skelly explained that before his arrival in Iraq, terrorists had destroyed Yarmouk University. The photographs he displayed of the rubble left after the attack were harrowing. The United States funded and reconstructed the entire school. Countless desktop computers, an Internet satellite system, security system, and plenty of air conditioners were donated and helped to completely transform the formerly battered university.
Similar reconstruction was done at Baquba Technical Institute and the University of Diyala. Computers, desks, air conditioners, and satellite systems were also donated to them, along with a meteorological lab to Baquba Technical Institute. The University of Diyala is the largest school in the area with over ten thousand students. The United States Army built the first ever women's dormitory at the school, making it possible for more women to attend school here since they are now provided with a comfortable place to live.
As a member of the United States Army Reserves, Dr. Skelly was in Iraq from September 2004 to August 2005. He was assigned as a public education officer in the city of Baquba, located north of Baghdad. Dr. Skelly explained that his "primary job was to interact with Iraqi people". He demonstrated ways that the United States wants to help.
During the year that he spent in Iraq, Dr. Skelly was in charge of coordinating the renovation of numerous schools within the area. Dr. Skelly and his fellow workers were given three million dollars and managed to repair 35 schools while employing many local contractors and laborers. Skelly described this valuable and needed project as "a small way the American Army and American government are promoting peace in Iraq".
Among the schools repaired were Yarmouk University, Baquba Technical Institute, the University of Diyala, and the Teaching Institute for Women. Dr. Skelly explained that before his arrival in Iraq, terrorists had destroyed Yarmouk University. The photographs he displayed of the rubble left after the attack were harrowing. The United States funded and reconstructed the entire school. Countless desktop computers, an Internet satellite system, security system, and plenty of air conditioners were donated and helped to completely transform the formerly battered university.
Similar reconstruction was done at Baquba Technical Institute and the University of Diyala. Computers, desks, air conditioners, and satellite systems were also donated to them, along with a meteorological lab to Baquba Technical Institute. The University of Diyala is the largest school in the area with over ten thousand students. The United States Army built the first ever women's dormitory at the school, making it possible for more women to attend school here since they are now provided with a comfortable place to live.