DOD EXPERIENCE
TRUTH: Every time a new article about our lead in the polls comes out, our opponent counters with another outrageous lie.
The truth is, my work was to support the Department of Defense and U.S. Embassies in the Middle East. That’s why I rented an apartment (not a penthouse) in Lebanon. The people I worked with continue to risk their lives in defense of our national security and the safety of American soldiers and diplomats.
This is a continuation of the commitment I made since 9/11, which led to my becoming a DOD civilian Senior Executive spending years in a war zone, supporting our nation’s fight against terrorism.
When political attacks are spread anonymously—when people are so ashamed by them that no one will put their name to it—that’s the clearest sign it’s a lie. And to borrow a phrase, if Jim Moylan has something to say, he can say it to my face.
CIFA COFA REBUTTAL
Ginger Cruz Clapback on Moylan's Campaign Lies
Setting the Record Straight on
8(a) Small Business Contracting
Wael Elzein: Ginger’s Husband
Born in Lebanon Wael came to the U.S. for college, graduating from Ohio University with both a bachelor’s and master’s Degree.
In 1993, Wael began with a distinguished 11-year service in the U.S. Army, where he rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant. A combat veteran who served during the Bosnia War, Elzein was recognized for his bravery and dedication including multiple U.S. Army Commendation Medals, NATO medals and awards. His military service concluded with an honorable discharge, marking him as a Veteran of Foreign Wars. He is currently a member of the Guam VFW.
Following his military career, Elzein continued to serve his country as a federal employee and contractor in Iraq. From the early 2000s until 2012, he held federal security clearances in positions of trust with the Departments of State and Defense. His contributions in law enforcement and overseas operations were critical in supporting national security efforts.
Transitioning to the private sector, Elzein founded a company that ensures compliance for U.S. firms providing life support to the U.S. Embassy and Defense Department programs in the Middle East. His company's work in challenging environments was recognized with the prestigious ISOA Vanguard Award, which honors significant contributions to stability, peace, and development.
Throughout his career, Elzein has maintained high ethical standards. Both he and his wife, Ginger, have filed their financial statements with the Federal Election Commission and Guam Election Commission and continue as they have both done throughout their careers, to uphold the highest levels of personal and professional integrity.
Wael Elzein's professional journey highlights a consistent dedication to service, from his military career to his ongoing support of U.S. national security efforts in the private sector.
Cruz: Candidate ‘slogans’ bring campaigning into the voting both
Ginger Championed Accountability, Stood Tall Against Lies & Won
U.S. Congress Recognizes Ginger’s “Professionalism, Productivity & Perseverance”
The $50 billion U.S. effort to rebuild Iraq was open to billions of dollars in corruption by contractors and contracting officials, and Ginger Cruz played in important role in exposing it and holding violators accountable.
Cruz was Deputy Inspector General for the Office of the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction, created by Congress to monitor federal spending in Iraq and reports its findings to the military, the Secretary of State and Congress.
The FBI sent agents from its fraud division to Iraq to work alongside the watchdog office, or “SIGIR,” which had dozens of open corruption cases at the time.
The first criminal charges, based on the SIGIR and FB Investigations, were filed in November 2005 against U.S. contracting official Robert Stein, Jr., and contractor Philip Bloom, who were accused of fraud, money-laundering and conspiracy.
“There’s more to come,” in the way of criminal charges, Cruz told the Washington Post at the time.
Stein pleaded guilty and was sentenced to nine years in prison. Bloom also pleaded guilty and aided the investigation, in exchange for a 46-month prison sentence.
“For all the bravery and dedication, it was a corrupting environment,” Cruz told the New York Times in 2006 after an Army Reserve officer pleaded guilty to accepting bribes in connection with Iraq construction contracts. “For those few who were corrupt, we would hope that the punishment serves as a strong message to the Iraqis.”
Sen. Joseph Lieberman, D-Connecticut, commended the SIGIR and its employees, including Cruz, in a November 2009 statement to the Congressional Record, recognizing the watchdog’s sixth anniversary.
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CREC-2009-11-09/pdf/CREC-2009-11-09-pt1-PgS11286.pdf (The SIGIR reference begins at the bottom right of the first page).
“SIGIR’s reviews have been extremely useful to both the administration and Congress in assessing the many challenges of the reconstruction,” Lieberman stated, adding he salutes Cruz and Inspector General Stuart Bowen.
“Their work has been extremely influential on the evolution of construction efforts in Iraq, and undoubtedly will help inform future U.S. relief and construction efforts.”
Cruz was also recognized for her outstanding work with an American Flag, flown over the U.S. Capitol in recognition of her service as the Deputy IG. The certificate reads in part, “Ms. Cruz was intimately involved in the drafting of more than 30 Quarterly Reports to the U.S. Congress, oversaw the production of audits, project assessments and lessons learned reports, and served for more than two years on the ground in Iraq. Her professionalism, productivity, and perseverance exemplify the highest traditions of government service.”
