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Berry, Ross and Snyder Return from Iraq;
Pledge Continued Support for Troops
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(Arkansas) Arkansas Congressmen Marion Berry (D-AR, 1st), Mike Ross
(D-AR, 4th) and Vic Snyder (D-AR, 2nd) spoke with members of the media
today concerning their recent return from a trip to Iraq.
The three members of Congress spent time this past week in Iraq with
members of the U.S. Armed Forces including members of the 39th Infantry
Brigade which consists of about 3,000 National Guard soldiers from Arkansas.
On Wednesday, August 11, the Congressmen arrived in Baghdad where they
met with U.S. troops stationed in Iraq. The Congressmen also spent time
with soldiers injured in the Iraqi conflict both at military hospitals
in Iraq and the following day in Germany. While in the hospital in Iraq,
the members were honored to award two soldiers the Purple Heart for wounds
sustained in service to their country.
While in Baghdad on the 11th, the Congressmen also met with U.S. Ambassador
to Iraq John Negroponte and trade representatives of the new Iraqi government.
Iraq was Arkansas rice farmers’ largest purchaser prior to the Persian
Gulf War. Trade sanctions since then have prohibited Iraq from purchasing
products from America. The delegation met with the new Iraqi government
to encourage them to resume purchasing Arkansas products now that trade
sanctions have been lifted.
“I can’t stress enough how proud we should all be of the job being
done by our brave men and women in Iraq,” Congressman Berry said. “However,
our troops’ unwavering willingness to serve their country needs to be matched
by a commitment at home to provide them with everything they might need;
both while they serve overseas and when they return home. Our efforts must
be focused on ensuring our troops have everything possible to adequately
protect themselves and return home safely – our commitment to this effort
should be no less than theirs. Beyond that, every man and woman in uniform
needs and deserves our support and our prayers that they come home soon
and come home safe.”
Congressman Mike Ross stated, “It was important to me to personally
travel to Iraq to let the Arkansas soldiers know that Arkansas has not
forgotten them and that we support them. These brave men and women
have sacrificed so much to serve their country in the name of freedom,
and it was important for me to visit with them, discuss their concerns
and show my appreciation for their valiant efforts. I hope and pray
each and every one of them will return safely to their families, and I
will do everything in my power to make sure they receive the necessary
resources to complete their mission. 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 Arkansan.”
“This was my second trip to Iraq," said Congressman Vic Snyder.
"Both were great opportunities to visit with and learn from our fine troops,
but it was very special to see so many of these great men and women from
Arkansas serving with the 39th. The challenges they face are tough.
They must fight a war and rebuild a country at the same time. I know
the entire Arkansas delegation is committed to seeing they get everything
they need to do their job and come home safely.” |
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