Photo By Spc. Charlene Apatang Mendiola | Massachusetts state Rep. Stephen F. Lynch introduces himself to soldiers from his home...... read more read more
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BAGHDAD - United States representatives from California, New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Utah, and Idaho visited with Soldiers from their home states at the Joint Visitors Bureau hotel on Camp Victory during a congressional delegation visit, Feb. 2.
The representatives arrived in Iraq to conduct updates in the areas of financial management, foreign affairs, and homeland defense.
“We came out here to see how American dollars are spent, controlled and its value for the American people - particularly for the Iraqi reconstruction,” said California state Rep. Darrell Issa.
“The progress here in Iraq has improved since my last visit in 2009. The Iraqi government certainly has confidence in taking the lead in its own defense,” he said. “The most important thing that we see here today, as we continue to encounter conflicts in Afghanistan, is to take the lessons learned here in Iraq and use them there.”
The representatives also gave the soldiers the opportunity to speak about issues or concerns during the visit.
“I felt comfortable talking to our representative, said Staff Sgt. Raymundo Lopez from San Dimas, Calif., and a petroleum and supply specialist with the 1st Battalion, 140th Aviation Regiment. “Being in the military, it is important to speak to someone at their level so you can understand the political view on what is going on in Iraq.”
Issa said their visit was also a great opportunity for representatives to visit and thank the men and women serving the U.S. while they risk their lives every day.
“This is my first visit here in Iraq and it has made a really deep impression,” said Idaho state Rep. Raul Labrador. “I have never served in the military so I can’t imagine the hardship from being away from
family.”
“It’s amazing to see Labrador out here,” said Staff Sgt. Breane Buckingham from Idaho and a supply sergeant with 116th Cavalry
Brigade. “It is evident that he and the people back home support the troops.”
“The message I want to send back to home is for families to know
that their soldiers are working hard and doing great work,” Labrador said. “They should be really proud of what they do and I am more proud of my country today.”
| Date Taken: | 02.02.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 02.05.2011 04:43 |
| Story ID: | 64866 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 61 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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