FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 21, 2003
CONTACT: Kevin Schweers
SENATORS HUTCHISON AND CORNYN VISIT FORT BLISS, SALUTE TROOPS
Senators Travel Across Texas to Visit Bases
EL PASO, TX -- U.S. Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) and John Cornyn (R-TX) today toured Fort Bliss to meet with commanding officers, visit families of service members deployed overseas in Operation Iraqi Freedom and salute our troops' success.
"Our men and women in uniform from Fort Bliss made us proud, fighting courageously on the front lines to disarm Iraq and protect our way of life," said Senator Hutchison, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction. "These soldiers are the ambassadors of American values and the guardians of freedom.
"One in ten active duty personnel call Texas home and many are deployed in Iraq," Senator Hutchison continued. "The Fort Bliss community made extraordinary contributions to our efforts and showed the world what America is made of. The overwhelming success we achieved affirms the critical role this base plays in preparing our troops for battle."
"Texas troops, equipment and training led the fight against Saddam Hussein's regime -- and won," said Senator Cornyn, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. "It is an honor to visit the military families, communities and facilities across our state that help make our military's heroic actions possible."
Since the war in Iraq began, the Senate has set aside the first hour of each legislative day for members to honor our military on the Senate floor. "We pay tribute to our troops by sharing stories of heroic acts in the field, and showing pictures of what life is like over there," Senator Hutchison added. "A grateful nation mourns our losses but will never forget the sacrifices of those who were killed in action. We are especially thankful for the safe return of American POWs and proud of their strength and dedication."
During their visit to Fort Bliss, the senators met with Major General Stanley Green, Commanding General; Brigadier General Robert Lennox, Deputy Commanding General; Colonel Ben Hobsen, Chief of Staff; and Command Sergeant Major Stanley L. Davis. Senators Hutchison and Cornyn are also traveling to Goodfellow Air Force Base (AFB) in San Angelo, Laughlin AFB in Del Rio, Corpus Christi Naval Air Station (NAS), Sheppard AFB in Wichita Falls, Dyess AFB in Abilene and Fort Hood in Killeen on their statewide tour of bases.
Congress recently passed a supplemental bill that provides the resources necessary for a swift and successful military campaign. Senators Hutchison and Cornyn voted in support of funding for U.S. military efforts in Iraq, repairing damaged infrastructure and to provide humanitarian relief of food, water, medicine and clothing to Iraqis.
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