Posted on 01/25/2006 5:13:49 PM PST by SandRat
CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq (Jan. 25, 2006) -- A bipartisan delegation from the House of Representatives visited here, Jan. 21-22 to get a firsthand view on the progress made in Iraq and to give Marines and sailors a chance to voice their concerns.
Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, 18th Congressional District of Florida, led a four-person delegation which met with ground troops and foreign ministers in Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan.
“It's an important opportunity to see firsthand what our fighting men and women are doing, the progress as well as the problems," said Ros-Lehtinen, a member of the House International Relations Committee.
The visiting congress included two Pennsylvania Republicans, Reps. Todd Platts, 19th District, and Jim Gerlach, 6th District, as well as Massachusetts Democrat Rep. Stephen Lynch, 9th District.
Each congressional member received a situational brief from Maj. Gen. Stephen Johnson, commanding general, II Marine Expeditionary Force (FWD), before meeting with Marines and Sailors from the states they represent.
During their two-day visit, the four representatives surveyed several sites aboard the camp, always making time to speak with troops. Twenty Marines and one Sailor dined with the delegation and took advantage of the opportunity to tell their respective congress member about their experiences in Iraq.
Corporal Joseph T. Mayo, orders chief and common access card chief, Group Personnel Administration Center, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Headquarters Group, II MEF (FWD), spoke with Platts about experiences with Iraqis and their general consensus about coalition forces in Iraq. Mayo, from Erie, Pa., who fulfilled duties at entry control points and the badge office where Marines were responsible for identifying, screening and talking to locals, told both Pennsylvania congressmen that he sees changes in Iraq. He said he sees Iraq becoming a great nation that is able to support itself sometime in the future.
“Most of the Iraqis I have come into contact with are grateful for the U.S. forces being here in Iraq,” said Mayo, who’s been in country for 10 months. “They have told me on numerous occasions how they have never known freedom the way they do now. One in specific was the local named Yass. He told me that this is the first time he can speak his mind without fearing death.”
The issue of body and vehicle armor being debated on the battlefield as well as Capitol Hill was addressed as well. Motor Transportation Marines from II Marine Expeditionary Force, Headquarters Group, II MEF (FWD), showed the delegation and accompanied media armored vehicles used during missions and protective and other essential gear used by Marines.
The representatives surveyed the East Fallujah Iraqi Camp on their final day of the visit and witnessed the progress of the Iraqi Security Forces. The delegation sat down with Iraqi Army basic combat training instructors and asked for their opinion on the ISF’s progress and what could be done to improve the army.
Lynch thanked Johnson for raising the concerns of the men and women who serve beneath him. Several Marines present voiced their opinion concerning the American public and their support for the troops.
“Sometimes when you read the paper or hear news accounts the public doesn’t understand or fully appreciate the support for your work and for your mission,” said Lynch. “I think I can speak for the other members as well, we see it every day in our district in terms of support the troops rallies or bumper stickers on every car. Sometimes it’s hard to read that message because you’re over here but we just want you to know the message, love, respect and the appreciation for the sacrifices that you have made and the sacrifices that your families have made. It’s so deeply appreciated in the United States Congress.”
All differences aside, congressional members agreed on one thing.
“In regards to people like you who are willing to put on that uniform and fight for our country--that is a high honor,” said Lynch to the Marines. “You put the rest of your lives aside and focused on this. You and your family are standing on the verge of the rest of the country. That’s an unbelievable service.”
KongressKritter's go into combat Theater - Sort of.
Kudos to the congressmen.
Also, what did the troops say about body armor?
Thanks for posting.
BTTT
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