Congressional Delegation visit Rakkasans

Photo By Spc. Justin Snyder | Rakkasan Soldiers eat dinner while chatting with U.S. representatives from California, Hawaii, Mississippi and Virginia at the Camp Striker dining facility June 29.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

07.03.2008

Story by Spc. Justin Snyder 

3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (AA) Public Affairs

By Spc. Justin Snyder
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Public Affairs Office

CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – United States representatives from California, Hawaii, Mississippi and Virginia visited Rakkasan Soldiers of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at the Camp Striker dining facility during a congressional delegation visit, June 29.

Representatives included Brian Bilbray, representative of California's 50th Congressional District, Mazie Hirono, representative of Hawaii's 2nd Congressional District, Travis Childers, representative of Mississippi's 1st Congressional District, Robert Goodlatte, representative of Virginia's 6th Congressional District, and Thelma Drake, representative of Virginia's 2nd Congressional District.

Representatives visited Camp Striker to learn first-hand about coalition forces' progress in Iraq. They took the opportunity to discuss day-to-day life with Soldiers over dinner.

Capt. Cornelius Wilbert, 3rd Special Troops Battalion, and a native of Vicksburg, Miss., said meeting Congressman Childers was a great experience. He was glad to see that one of his state's representatives was taking the time to visit and show his support.

"We don't usually see guys like this in this kind of environment. A few years ago, this might not have happened. It's showing progress in Iraq and that they really care," Wilbert said. "With this trip, they are establishing an emotional attachment with Soldiers. Hopefully, we will be in their heads down the line when they are fighting for policies and bills for the Soldiers."

The five representatives arrived in Kuwait City on Saturday and spent Sunday traveling throughout Iraq before arriving at Camp Striker.

For Bilbray, it was a chance to actually see the war rather than just hear about it. He learned about the needs of the Army, and he got to know the Soldiers on a more personal level.

"Our trip was mainly to find out about the mission in Iraq and the progress," Bilbray said. "Being here at the camp (Striker), we were able to see the Soldiers and find what they need on a more personal standpoint. Things are looking much better than I ever dreamed, and it was really an eye-opening experience."

While the bulk of the conversation focused on Iraq, the representatives also spoke to the Soldiers about their lives at home and the families who are anxiously awaiting their return.

"He wanted to know about my hometown and how my family was doing," said Wilbert of Childers. "It was great to hear about the education bills and other bills that he was trying to pass. I can feel better knowing that I have their support and so does my family."

Bilbray said this is an experience he will always remember, and it is important to let the Soldiers know they care.

"(While in Iraq), these Soldiers are learning a lot of information and skills that will prove helpful upon arriving home," said Bilbray. "They are building the foundation that makes America the greatest nation in the world."

• Date Taken: 07.03.2008
• Date Posted: 07.03.2008 03:14
• Story ID: 21138
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ