“Iraq and Back: Inside the War to Win the Peace”
Book Talk and Signing

Author and retired U. S. Air Force Col. Kim Olson will discuss her newly released book “Iraq and Back: Inside the War to Win the Peace,” at the Women In Military Service For America Memorial, at the gateway to Arlington National Cemetery, on Wednesday, Oct. 11 at 12 noon. 

In April 2003, retired U. S. Army Lt. Gen. Jay Garner was sent to Iraq to lead the post-war reconstruction effort.  Charged with three tasks: reconstruct Iraq’s infrastructure, deliver humanitarian assistance and lay the foundation for a democratic government, Garner and his senior leaders set out to accomplish this monumental endeavor only to be stalled after just a few weeks of grueling effort.  “Iraq and Back: Inside the War to Win the Peace” is the first-person account of one of those senior leaders, Garner’s executive officer, Col. Kim Olson who has woven together military, political and humanistic insights into a very compelling account of the early days of the reconstruction.

Part of the U.S. Air Force’s first generation of women pilots and a command pilot, Olson has 3,700 flight hours in six different aircraft.  She has commanded an operational flying squadron, flown combat-support missions and served in several positions in the Pentagon, including the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Joint Staff and Air Staff.  Now retired, she is also a wife and mother.

The book talk is free and open to the public and Olson will be on hand for a book signing immediately following the event.  Copies of “Iraq and Back: Inside the War to Win the Peace” will be available for sale at the Memorial Gift Shop. Those interested in attending should call 800-222-2294 or 703-533-1155 to reserve a seat or for more information. The Women’s Memorial, located at the gateway to Arlington National Cemetery, is readily accessible by Metro (Blue Line) and paid parking is available.

The Women In Military Service For America Memorial is the nation’s only major memorial honoring all servicewomen, past, present and future.  Featuring an exhibit gallery, theatre, Register of women who have served and a gift shop, the Memorial is open to the public, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., daily; after Sept. 30, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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