As expected the four relatives of the deceased (and litigating) Blackwater employees delivered the emotional kickoff. Kristal Batalona, daughter of Wesley Batalona, Kathryn Helvenston-Wettengel, mother of Scott Helvenston, Rhonda Teague, wife of Michael Teague and Donna Zovko, mother of Jerry Zovko each told heart rending tales and demanded the "truth".
In researching my book and investigatig the incident and talked to people that the families and their lawyer has not talked to and I can tell them that they have much to learn and they are absolutely right in seeking redress.
Letters, comments and discussions focused on profit taking and accountability. Sen Waxman probably chose the single most famous incident and probably one of the obvious examples of security companies going from zero to full readiness during the burgeoning insurgency in 2004.
Having met and spent time in Iraq with former Blackwater VP's of Security, Brian Berrey and Mike Rush (I also know the first Blackwater VP, Jamie Smith as well) there is much to be told about the urgent and well intentioned need to get security companies on the ground in Iraq. Hopefully the main players will step forward and provide an accurate picture of conditions at the time. Until them, my book contains the only inside account of what happened.
The other shocking thing we learned is the complete lack of knowledge of how many contractors are in Iraq (and in support positions around the world)
The official army spokesperson almost seemed put off when the panel bluntly told her to go find out and get back to the committee with in a week. My guess ain't gonna happen. The GAO and the DoD can't even agree on a number (between 60,000 and 100,000) and all parties flatly admit: no one knows how many contractors there are in Iraq.
Blackwater made the mistake of sending a sweaty nervous lawyer who did his best to fend off the slings and arrows but the notable lack of executives from Blackwater was plain to see. Waxman has threatened to issue subpoenas and my guess the first one is going to Moyock and Tysons' Corner (the HQ's of Blackwater)
Although it is unfair for the panel to focus on an admitted disaster and emotion charged vent, it still gave the inquiry a sense of urgency and purpose.
My appearance on the PBS News Hour
http://oversight.house.gov/story.asp?ID=1163
Opening Statement of Sen. Waxman Opening_Statement.pdf
Family Testimony: Testimony_of_Fallujah_Four.pdf
