What an outstanding program full of positive information about our troops in Iraq. David Dismukes, an Opelika native, serves as Gen. McPherson’s spokesman. He brought us a wonderful album of photographs he personally shot in Iraq and a gripping video of the “War Room,” where our nation’s top military minds observe and move more than 200,000 U.S. troops.

Sgt. Dismukes reported that thousands of textbooks were delivered to the schools in Iraq, and more than 100 primary schools have been reopened. He said more than 70 percent of the country had electricity for more than eight hours a day, and that in some parts of Iraq people had running water and electricity for the first time ever.

The United States has also provided $200 million in a joint study and rebuilding program for the universities in Iraq, in which they will be assisted by our universities. David said “that we could be proud” of our men and women in the military, and that the work they are doing keeping the peace and rebuilding Iraq is significant to our own peace — particulariy as we observe the passing of another September 11th.

His last remark was a request to remember those still in Iraq and others who will be asked to go in our thoughts and prayers.

Sgt. David Dismukes is a highly decorated member of the Signal Corp of the U.S. Army and specializes in public relations and communications.

Pictured with Dismukes is Club President Carolyn Ellis and Rotarian Terry Harris, who coordinated the program.