Oak Ridge woman worries for husband working in Iraq

Debbie Kovach said she's relying on her grandson, Tyler, and her daughter, Becky, while Joe's gone.

By TIM MILLER

OAK RIDGE (WATE) -- The beheading of American Nick Berg in Iraq sent shock waves around the world. And an Oak Ridge woman whose husband is a contractor in Iraq is trying to cope with the dangers he's facing. [ Berg killed ]

Joe Kovach went to Baghdad in May to help rebuild hospitals and other buildings. [ Kovach leaves for Iraq ]

At her home Wednesday, Debbie Kovach said she already misses Joe terribly. She's been comforted by three phone calls from him and several e-mails. She read one to 6 News. "Well I wanted to say I love you so. I love you very much."

Joe works for Parsons, a leading engineering and construction company. "He wanted to do it and I always let him make his decisions," Debbie said. "I don't want to say, no, don't go. Stay here."

But as attacks on American soldiers and contractors in Iraq have increased over the last month, three out of 10 Americans involved in reconstruction projects have left the country.

Debbie said thinks her husband is safe because he's working in the heavily-secured Green Zone in Baghdad. He's not allowed to leave the zone unless he has a security detail with him. She expects him to stay there for the duration of his work.

On the phone, Joe told her he sees armed guards in elevators, and except for hearing one explosion, he hasn't seen any fighting or attacks.

But after seeing images of Berg's execution, Debbie's daughter, Becky Duncan, wonders about her dad's safety. "I try not to watch a lot of the news and stuff because it makes me think of dad and kind of puts more fear in me. So unlike Mom, I try to avoid the news and stuff."

Debbie said she's relying on her daughter and her grandson, Tyler, who live with her. And they're praying to God for Joe's safety.

Joe Kovach went to Iraq to earn money for the couple's retirement. He'll be there for a year.

Debbie is looking forward to August, when Joe comes home for a period of rest and relaxation.

From: http://www.wate.com/Global/story.asp?S=1864797