Texas Iraq Veteran to Testify Before U.S. Senate Today

Texas Iraq Veteran to Testify Before U.S. Senate This Thursday, January 24th
Perry Jefferies to Discuss the Consequences of Reliance on Private Contractors in Iraq

NEW YORK – A founding member of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the nation’s first and largest nonpartisan organization for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, will testify before a Senate Subcommittee this Thursday, January 24th in Washington, DC. Perry Jefferies, of Copperas Cove, TX, will discuss the problems associated with the widespread reliance on private contractors in Iraq and Afghanistan.

While serving as a First Sergeant with the Army’s 4th Infantry Division in Camp Caldwell, Iraq in 2003, Jefferies experienced the consequences of the United States’ reliance on private contractors firsthand. “The failure of some contractors to fulfill their responsibilities threatened my troops’ health and ability to perform their critical duties in the combat zone. Temperatures were often more than 124 degrees and we were forced to ration food, water, and supplies. That’s dangerous and unacceptable.” says Jefferies. “The pressure of supply should not fall on those engaging in combat. The best course of action would be to reduce our dependency on contractors and build logistic capability back into individual units.”

Jefferies currently works for a large contractor with the Armed Services Blood Program at Fort Hood, TX. It is his responsibility to ensure donation quotas are met. His knowledge of both military and contractor operations contributes to his insight on this critical issue.

Today’s hearing, chaired by Senator Tom Carper, DE, will take place before the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, Federal Services and International Security at 2:30 p.m. in room 342 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C. To cover Perry’s testimony or arrange an interview with him, please contact IAVA’s Michael Houston at 212-982-9699 or michael[at]iava.org.

Perry Jefferies served as a First Sergeant with the Army’s 4th Infantry Division in Iraq in 2003. He retired from active duty in 2004 after 25 years of military service, and has been awarded the Bronze Star and the Legion of Merit. He hails from Waco, Texas and now lives in Copperas Cove with his wife and daughter.

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) is the nation’s first and largest group for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. A non-profit and nonpartisan organization, IAVA represents more than 80,000 veteran members and grassroots supporters in all 50 states. For more information please visit www.iava.org.

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