Company recruiting workers for jobs in Iraq
Year overseas could pay up to $120,000

By J. NOEL ESPINOZA
The Brownsville Herald

August 8, 2004 — Kidnappings and routine mayhem in Iraq is not deterring South Texas residents from applying for jobs overseas that pay as much as $120,000 a year.

Orion International, an Austin-based company, is seeking people to work in Iraq as automotive machinists, payroll clerks, security personnel, truck drivers and others.

The jobs come with 12-hour shifts with no guaranteed off days. They come with harsh military conditions where temperatures can reach above 120 degrees.

But that hasn’t discouraged Vietnam veteran Ray Rosas of San Juan from applying for work in Iraq.

“It’s hard for us to make a living here,” said Rosas, whose family owns a printing company. “I’ve never seen so much nepotism. I’ve (got) a bachelor’s degree in printing and Spanish, but getting a job isn’t easy if you aren’t the cousin or nephew of someone in high places.”

With salaries ranging from $84,000 to $120,000 annually, Rosas is not the only one willing to work under random gunfire, rocket and mortar fire.

“It’s not an issue finding people to go over there,” said Bill Key, an Orion International consultant. “Some people want to go because they think it’s the patriotic thing to do. It’s the best way they can find to support their country during time of war.”

Key, based in College Station, said more than 1,500 people in South Texas applied within the first four weeks of recruiting in April.

Rey Guevara, a spokesman for Cameron Works in Brownsville, said three people inquired about the jobs Monday. Two of them were veterans.

Although the company is targeting veterans, Guevara said people with the right skills could also apply. A minimum three years of experienced is required. Workers will be required to live on government or military facilities.

“They need people to rebuild Iraq,” Guevara said. “One of the enticements is that the first $80,000 in salary is tax-free.”

Vearl Williams, a senior partner at Orion, said there are plenty of candidates, but not everyone is qualified.

“Some don’t pass medical or (criminal) background checks,” Williams said. “They must be willing to stay in the country for at least a year. It’s a good opportunity for someone trying to build a little extra cash.”

Williams said there is a strong demand for mechanics, especially those with experience in production and operating machines — including boring, milling and honing.

Luis Perez, chairman of the Rio Grande Valley United Veterans Organization, said working in Iraq is a good opportunity, but he admits risks are involved.

“My concern is that they (terrorists) haven’t hit U.S. firms, but it could happen anytime,” Perez said. “It’s tempting for those who don’t have jobs. They are paying good money.”

Before conditions improve in Iraq, they are bound to get worse, he said.

In contrast to other countries that have negotiated with insurgents, Perez fears the U.S. government is not prepared to do so.

“I don’t know if it’s (the jobs) worth the risk,” Perez said. “We still haven’t seen the middle point.”

From: http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/ts_more.php?id=60524_0_10_0_M