By Capt. Jeff Crane
35th Engineer Brigade Public Affairs Office
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – U.S. Senators Claire McCaskill and Kit Bond recently completed a video teleconference with 35th Engineer Brigade Soldiers stationed at Camp Liberty, Baghdad, Iraq. The Senators addressed the Soldiers, from the Missouri National Guard, and then answered questions from the audience regarding a variety of Army National Guard subjects.
Charlie Richardson, Benne Media (Sedalia, Mo.), embedded with the unit in Iraq, Dec. 10-14. Prior to his departure from Missouri to Iraq, Richardson was instrumental in coordinating with each Senator in order to establish the VTC during his embed. Richardson moderated the question and answer session which dealt with subjects such as retirement benefits, equipment fielding, troop surge effects, as well as short and long term troop level goals.
"It is reassuring for all the Soldiers serving here in Iraq to be able to speak openly and candidly with their Missouri Senators. It is clear to us both understand the issues and are taking the proper steps to mitigate them," stated Brig. Gen. Pace, 35th Engineer Brigade Commander. Soldiers appreciated the Senators address as well as the answers to questions on important issues.
"It was outstanding that our two United States Senators made themselves available to address the questions from the Soldiers in a live forum," stated Command Sgt. Maj. Ray Harding. "I was impressed with the honesty of the answers from the Senators. Every issue cannot be fixed on the spot, but to at least have the opportunity to address our Senators allowed some issues to get on the table."