Tennessee Representative visits Kuwait

Courtesy Photo | CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait -- Tennessee Representative Marsha Blackburn speaks with Tennessee National Guard troops from the 230th Signal Battalion and 844th Combat Engineer Battalion Jan. 2 at a dinner at Camp Arifjan's Zone 6 dining facility.  

CAMP ARIFJAN, KUWAIT

01.03.2006

Courtesy Story

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CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait " Representative Marsha Blackburn met with Tennessee National Guard troops from the 230th Signal Battalion and 844th Combat Engineer Battalion Jan. 2 at a dinner at Camp Arifjan's Zone 6 dining facility.

The Tennessee representative came to Kuwait after spending a day in Iraq with soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division.

Blackburn talked with soldiers to get a better understanding of how they feel about the progress of the Army's transformation and to do a morale check.

"The morale of the troops is spectacular. They understand our mission and know why we are here," Blackburn said. "We are going to see some success and some challenges as we move forward through this year, but they are committed to standing with the Iraqis and helping these forces get on their feet."

During her visit soldiers were able to communicate their ideas on what they feel the government should improve. One soldier told Blackburn there should be more coverage of what troops are doing to mentor and train the Iraqi forces.

"The congressmen and women, as well as the media, need to help people back home understand that there is a culture difference and soldiers are working hard to mentor, train and build trust so the Iraqis can move forward," Blackburn said.

Blackburn said her visit with the troops gave her an opportunity to show her appreciation to them for the sacrifices they make daily on their country's behalf.

• Date Taken: 01.03.2006
• Date Posted: 01.03.2006 10:43
• Story ID: 4252
• Location: CAMP ARIFJAN, KW