Senators Visit 41IBCT in Iraq

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Anita Stratton | Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkely fields questions from Soldiers of the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the Oregon National Guard in Tallil, Iraq, Nov. 24, 2009. Merkely and Sen. Ron Wyden along with Sen. Ronald Burris of Illinois are in Iraq to meet with senior Iraqi and U.S. officials and to get an idea of the future of Iraq.  

TALLIL AIR BASE, IRAQ

11.25.2009

Story by Spc. Anita Stratton 

41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team

TALLIL, Iraq - Today Oregon's U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley made a stop in Tallil Iraq to meet Soldiers of the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

The Senators were treated to a quick trip to the Ziggurat of Ur, Abraham's birthplace, and the Cradle of Civilization. It is also the place known for the oldest arch built, the invention of the wheel and where writing began.

After the Ziggurat, the senators were escorted to Task Force Guardian's convoy staging lanes where the Soldiers had a variety of vehicles prepared and ready for the senators to see. Soldiers gave the senators a lesson on each of the vehicles.

"Impressive," Wyden said as he reviewed the mine-resistant ambush protected vehicles.
After the tour of vehicles, the senators met with more Soldiers and answered questions pertaining to their futures when they come back home. The main concern was the economy, jobs and health care.

"I always try to mention that everyone wants to come here, no wants to go there," Wyden said. "There must be something magical about the United States."

• Date Taken: 11.25.2009
• Date Posted: 11.25.2009 13:58
• Story ID: 42020
• Location: TALLIL AIR BASE, IQ