PING!
Posted on 01/24/2006 7:28:09 PM PST by Former Military Chick
I recently had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel to the Middle East to visit with our troops. This trip was important to me. I wanted to take this journey so I could talk firsthand to our troops and be sure they have the body armor and equipment they need, and I wanted to see the kind of progress being made in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Another purpose for our visit was to learn how we can help these new democracies get up and running. It was truly one of the most eye-opening experiences I've had.
I traveled with a bipartisan group of my colleagues from the House Agriculture Committee. A major component of our mission was to learn about the agricultural issues affecting countries in the Middle East. Our trip included stops in Bulgaria, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iraq.
We met with dozens of foreign dignitaries, leaders, military officials and U.S. generals - all of whom shared positive information with us - but the hundreds of troops I talked to throughout my travels told me the real story. I have never met a more energized, dedicated group of people in my life. And I can honestly say I have never been prouder of our military or our great nation.
In Afghanistan, our troops are helping to bring an entire nation back. This country has been plagued by war, poverty and a severe drought for years. Their agriculture system virtually went away. Our men and woman are helping the Afghan people irrigate and plant in fields that were until very recently little more than dust.
I also had the opportunity to meet with President Hamid Karzai, the leader of Afghanistan. He expressed his gratitude to America for helping his people take their country back. But he also shared his concerns, and asked for our assurance that American troops wouldn't be withdrawn as NATO becomes more of a presence in the region.
Flying into Iraq, it was hard to believe I was headed into the place that I have thought so much about in recent years. My experience there was incredible. I wish all of you had the chance to talk to our young men and women in uniform as I did, and experience their commitment and conviction to their mission.
In Iraq we were briefed by embassy officials about our mission and the progress we are making there. We also met with Gen. George Casey, who is leading the military operation in Iraq, who reiterated that our top priority is enabling Iraq to be a self-sufficient, independent nation. We are making great progress in the training of a professional Iraqi military force that will protect their nation. Things are happening fast, but some critics want progress to happen faster. I understand that, but after hearing from Gen. Casey, talking to the troops, and witnessing the progress in Iraq, I do believe we are moving as fast as we can. In fact, if the progress continues, I was told we may begin to see withdrawal of our troops later this year.
A couple of highlights from my trip included a chance meeting with a young woman standing guard outside of Gen.Casey's office who happened to be from my hometown of Miami Township. I also had the incredible opportunity to share a meal with troops from Ohio at Camp Victory in Baghdad. These folks were from all walks of life, all ages and represented all ethnicities, but they shared an unwavering commitment to their mission and a love for their jobs.
Although I can't share details, I also had a private discussion with Casey about the ongoing search efforts for Army Spc. Matt Maupin of Clermont County, who was captured in Iraq in April 2004. Based on what I heard in this meeting, I feel positive everything possible is being done to continue the search for Matt. I will continue to do everything in my power to make sure the search efforts continue.
This trip has left me feeling stronger than ever in my convictions. I am recommitted to doing everything in my power to help our men and women in uniform accomplish the mission they are so determined to accomplish. And even though they are thousands of miles away, our troops hear what we say, they read our headlines, and they only ask for one thing from us - our support.
More of our congress critter's need to make this journey and when they return write about it and "we" post and email these observations to all we know.
http://www.house.gov/schmidt/
Observations of our troops.
ping
Never forgotten.
Yet another story of one who sees then believes.
Great read from a great Congressman!!
Pray for W and Our Freedom Fighters
Good read. Wasn't this the one who said "cowards cut and run" and got hammered for saying it on the floor of the House?
Thanks
PING!
Thanks for the ping, FMC. Will pass it along to those in my address book.
Prayers for Matt.
Totally awesome LucyJo.
"Wasn't this the one who said "cowards cut and run"
Yes this is the same one and she is my Hero!
Thanks for the ping. This is an excellent report.
OK, I thought the name sounded familiar.
COOL! This is where my son was during most of his tour.............only it consisted of UNairconditioned tents, outdoor showers and MRE's only when he got there. :)
Thanks for the GREAT report from our very strong Jean Schmidt, Former Military Chick.
May God watch over Matt Maupin and give his family peace!
Matt is remembered every day. Thanks for the post.
Thanks for the thread FMC and for the ping ohio....
oh if ony we had an entire senate & house full of Jean Schmidts!
Wonderful article.
Not so fast there bray. She is not so popular in her district. She's about to get beat in a primary against a real conservative. REad about it in our local scandal sheet:
http://www.bluechipreview.com/Blower_01212006.html
We are constantly told about the enemies we are making in Iraq and around the world. However, we rarely hear about the friends we are making, like the Afghan people we helped to irrigate and plant their fields.
Thanks for posting this.
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