The Concierge of the Battlefield

By Tom Clarkson
Gulf Region Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers


BAGHDAD — “That’s what we are. That’s what we do. We are the concierge of the battlefield,” affirms Jack Holly, the still erect postured, retired Marine colonel. “When travelers require something while staying in hotel to whom do they go? The concierge of course! Thus, that is what we are to this effort here in Iraq. If something is needed we provide it, from notepads to police cars, grease to guns.”

This massive array of country building materiel - between $10 and $15 billion - comes from a myriad of sources. Among them are monies from the Developmental Funds Iraq, Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund, Iraqi Stabilization and Iraq Security Force Fund, as well as contributions from donor nations, NATO and items left in country from the “Oil for Food” program.

The 60-year-old Director of Logistics for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Gulf Region Division (USACE-GRD) is a U.S. Naval Academy graduate of the rather famous class of 1968. Among its alumni, this august group includes Lt. Col. Oliver North, former Secretary of the Navy and recently elected U.S. Sen. James Webb, a Commandant of the Marine Corps and two Chiefs of Naval Operations. No slouch among this group, even seated at his desk, Holly’s command demeanor and ramrod appearance – other than the short gray beard – still reeks “Semper Fi” pride in the Corps.

This man who effectively led the Marine logistics effort in both Somalia and during Operation “Desert Storm” has now been at the head of the helm of the Iraq Reconstruction logistics mission for nearly three years.

Today, however, he serves as a civilian, but in private his animated talk is often peppered with colorful - and sometimes salty - Marine metaphors.

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