Rebecca Sooner, a single mother from Virginia, volunteered to work for a construction company rebuilding infrastructure in Iraq after being laid off from her teaching job. Though dangerous, she saw it as a way to financially support her children and help Americans and Iraqis. She worked on many projects, but spent most time constructing a children's hospital, which faced problems with its site and security issues. Despite witnessing violence where coworkers were killed, she said it was a great opportunity and she would do it again to help others.

1. Single Mom Volunteers to Work Overseas in Iraq
Rebecca Sooner is a single mother from Alberta, Virginia, a small town of 285
people. After being laid off from her job as a third grade teacher, Rebecca
volunteered to work overseas in Iraq for Bechtel. Even though she had to leave her
family behind, she saw it as a financial opportunity that would better the lives of her
children and also an opportunity to help the American soldiers and Iraqi people.
Bechtel is a construction company that is helping rebuild bridges, schools,
clinics, fire stations and other infrastructure in Iraq. The company’s work has
provided many jobs for Americans, Iraqi’s and other foreigners, it is, however, very
dangerous work.
Sooner worked on many projects while in Iraq but the one she spent the
most time on was the construction of Al Basrah Children’s Hospital. It was the
project that caused the most problems and dangers to workers.
Problems arose with the site that the hospital was to be built on. First, there
was no solid foundation to support the hospital, which increased the budget and
days to finish the project. Second, there were major security issues. Workers were in
danger of begin attacked and were intimated by violence. Twenty-four employees
were murdered and two resigned, but Rebecca stayed.
“I missed my family and friends everyday but I knew I had made the right
decision to work overseas,” said Rebecca. “Even though I witnessed many terrible
things, this was a great opportunity for me to help others and I would do it over
again if given the chance.”

2. She said she met many great, selfless people who were in similar situations
like her. “I was privileged to work alongside with Rebecca everyday,” said Andy
Hicks, a fellow co-worker. “We endured a lot in Iraq but Rebecca always had a great
attitude. She was able to motivate the workers and keep our drive going, even in
times of despair.”
After the project was completed, Rebecca returned home to her family and
friends. Her community welcomed her back with a small reunion at her favorite
local diner. “I was ecstatic to see the smiles on my children’s faces when I arrived in
my taxi! It was great to be welcomed back after being away for so long.”