Representatives visit troops in Tallil

Photo By Sgt. Spencer Case | Representative Jim Marshall of Georgia's 3rd Congressional District gives a final goodbye to troops at Logistical Support Area Adder, April 7. In his hand is a plaque given to him by Georgia's 48th Brigade Combat Team.  

TALLIL, IRAQ

04.28.2006

Courtesy Story

207th Public Affairs Detachment

CAMP ADDER, Iraq -Three congressional representatives made a brief stop at Camp Adder in southern Iraq, April 8, at the onset of a two-day trip to gain first-hand knowledge about the situation in the region.

During their two-hour stay, representatives Jim Marshall of Georgia, Cathy McMorris of Washington, and Michael McCaul of Texas, met leaders of the Georgia National Guard's 48th Brigade Combat Team and greeted troops at the dining facility.

"I think it's important that members of Congress come over here and see what's happening first-hand, to learn first- hand from the Soldiers," McCaul said. "We want the unvarnished truth about what's going on here."

Col. Lawrence Dudney, the deputy commander of the 48th Brigade Combat Team, said the representatives asked about Soldier morale, living conditions, and the adequacy of troops" equipment. Another reason they came was to help convince other politicians in the United States of the importance of the mission.

"I personally support this effort and want to see us finish the job," McCaul said. "I think I can take my experiences here as a policy maker to my constituents and to other members of Congress to keep the political will and the will of the American people solidly behind our efforts here."

The stop at Camp Adder had special meaning for Marshall as troops from the 48th BCT presented him with a plaque in appreciation of his continuous visits throughout their difficult tour.

Marshall, a veteran of the Vietnam War, had made several previous visits to Iraq, and met with the 48th BCT three times prior.

"Thank you for a hard year of service here in Iraq away from your families," Marshall said to a group of Soldiers in the tactical operations center of 2nd Battalion, 121st Infantry behind the 48th BCT headquarters building.

"I hope it ends up being a very special time as you think about it throughout your life, a very special time for you personally, and I hope you feel good about it." Even though his visit was short, troops were grateful for Marshall's visit.

"He's come over here to see Soldiers at times where other folks would have been at home with their families," said Col. Lawrence Dudney, the Deputy Commander of the 48th BCT. "That really means a lot to me personally, but it also means a lot to the great Soldiers of this brigade, too."

McMorris, who was visiting Iraq for the first time, said she was impressed by the amount of buildings and infrastructure the troops had on base. As she was boarding a C-130 plane she imparted one final message for the troops.

"We are praying for them every day, we thank them for the job they're doing. We thank them for their service." She ended by telling the troops to "just be careful."

• Date Taken: 04.28.2006
• Date Posted: 04.28.2006 09:02
• Story ID: 6151
• Location: TALLIL, IQ