While in Baghdad, we met with the U.S. Ambassador to Iraq and trade representatives of the new Iraqi government. Prior to the Persian Gulf War, Iraq was Arkansas rice farmers’ largest purchaser, but trade sanctions since then have prohibited Iraq from purchasing products from America.  We met with the new Iraqi government to encourage them to resume purchasing Arkansas products now that trade sanctions have been lifted.

During our travels, we also had the honor of visiting with wounded Arkansas soldiers and presented two with the prestigious Purple Heart.  We were surrounded by men and women in hospital beds who had every right to complain.  Instead, their overwhelming response was that of concern for their fellow soldiers still in Iraq.  These soldiers put their lives on the line every day, and this Congress must do everything in its power to make sure they have the necessary resources to do their jobs with the most advanced equipment available, so that they may return home safely to their families.

Oftentimes in the news we only hear negative things related to this war. I personally witnessed Arkansas soldiers helping restore peace and assisting the Iraqi people in rebuilding their nation.  I have never been so proud to be an American, but more importantly, I have never been so proud to be an Arkansan.

The Fire Operations and Firefighter Safety Program includes training, wellness and fitness, firefighting equipment, personal protective equipment, and modifications to fire stations and facilities.  The following departments have been awarded grants: 

Second Congressional District - 

Runyan Acres Fire Department; North Little Rock, AR - $56,506 for operations and firefighter safety 
Dardanelle Rural Fire Department; Dardanelle, AR - $63,000 for a firefighting vehicle 
Houston Volunteer Fire Department; Houston, AR - $58,500 for a firefighting vehicle

Third Congressional District – 

Fairview Rural Volunteer Fire Department; Flippin, AR - $28,071 for operations and firefighter safety 
Krooked Kreek Volunteer Fire Protection Assoc. Inc; Harrison, AR - $88,650 for a firefighting vehicle 
Johnson County Rural Fire Dist. 2; Clarksville, AR - $68,967 for operations and firefighter safety
Fourth Congressional District – 

Center Grove Volunteer Fire Department; Sheridan, AR - $24,120  for operations and firefighter safety 
Magazine Fire Department; Magazine, AR - $17,416 for operations and firefighter safety 
Caddo Valley Fire Department; Arkadelphia, AR - $73,035 for operations and firefighter safety 
Lawson-Urbana Rural Volunteer Fire Department; Lawson, AR - $38,700 for operations and firefighter safety 
Grapevine Volunteer Fire Department; Grapevine, AR - $79,506 for operations and firefighter safety