FordMuscle has a number of registered users who are serving duty in Iraq. What many may not know is that in addition to honorable military personnel, there are also a number of civilians who are sacrificing time with their loved ones by serving their employers in the Middle East. One such person is Cummins Diesel employee James Lamb. Here’s a Q & A session FordMuscle had with James. Yes, you are right, that is Oliver North on the right and James on the left.
Q) How long have you been working in Iraq for Cummins Diesel? What are your basic job duties there?
I have been with Cummins for just under one year. I started out as a diesel mechanic for a large US Air Force contractor. My job was to travel to 39 sites around Baghdad and install back-up power generation for the 5 million people in Baghdad.
Q) How often do you get back home?
My first year, I went home after 8 months. I had 2 weeks with my wife and daughters. It just wasn’t enough. I have two of the best girls in the south. Strait A students and very active in the school.
Q) Are you managing a team of Cummins employees in Iraq?
Currently, I have only 7 technicians to cover the entire county. Iraq is about the size of the Pacific NorthWest or 3 times the size of Idaho.
Q) Where are you working in Iraq? Are you traveling often within Iraq?
I have a large Camp in the BIAP (Baghdad International Air Port) on a base called VBC (Victory Base Compond). My camp has the versatility of minor repairs up to in-frame overhauls of 50 Liter (2000hp) V16 engines.
Q) Can you profile your typical day while in Iraq?
A typical day in Iraq? I receive a 7am phone call notifying me that a generator is down, it won’t start. Next, I send technicians and they find no fuel in the tank. This happens everyday, I answer 50-60 emails everyday, most are fuel related but not completely out of fuel. JP8 is the military’s fuel of choice. At just 5 cents a gallon, it’s the best choice, but not for the engines.
Q) Tell us a bit about your family? How are they dealing with your absence?
When I left in January 2004, my baby was still a baby. My oldest daughter was a heart breaker but just had her braces put on at 14. Now they are women and I wouldn’t put my best enemy against them. They are South Georgia redecks and they are proud. And I am proud of them. They have never been in trouble outside the house and would make the worst parent look like a hero. My daughters are the best thing that ever happened to me. By the way, they are step-children of eleven years.
Q) Other than your 2005 Mustang GT, what brings you to FordMuscle?
I had my share of HOT RODS. The first was a Pontiac LeMans, $600 and it was mine. I cut here and there, added this and that but I hated it. Next, was a 1976 Mustang Gia, black with a sunroof and white leather interior. It had a V6 that sounded awesome in 1987. It would pull the front tires off the ground. Then I had a 1968 Dodge Coronet with a 383 and 4-speed. It was Fast and Fun.
Next was a 1973 Gran Troino Sport , then a few more Fords. 1969 Mach I, 1965 Galaxie made in Canada with a 352. I just love a Ford. Besides the my 2005 Mustang, I’ve now got a 1979 F150 4X4. 460 with 500hp for playin in the Mud. She goes where they say it can’t be done. I love it. Now I’m Ford Forever.
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