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Last week I had the opportunity to travel to Iraq with colleagues Marion
Berry and Vic Snyder to visit with Arkansas troops. 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.
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. |
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