WASHINGTON, D.C. - While Third District Congressman Jon Porter leads a Congressional delegation traveling to Germany, Kuwait, Iraq, Pakistan and Afghanistan, he will provide periodic e-mail updates describing his experiences.  The following is the third update:

Thursday, December 29, 2005: Kuwait and Iraq

Our trip picked up early this morning where we left off last night by returning to Camp Arifjan in Kuwait for a tour of a military HUMVEE up-armor facility.  This facility, along with others like it, is where the vehicles driven by our troops in battle are equipped with armor and safety equipment.  Everyday, our troops face the grim possibility of being hit by an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by insurgents, and it is the up-armoring process that can help save their lives.   I was pleased to learn that this facility was responsible for providing armor to nearly 25,000 vehicles in recent months, though there is still much work to be done.  This fact hit home with me today as I learned of the tragic death of Private Joshua Morberg from Sparks, Nevada, who was killed by an IED while outside of his vehicle.  Despite the military's massive efforts at protecting our troops, they cannot prevent every wartime casualty, and sadly could not prevent the death of Private Morberg.  If we are going to prevent this from happening to other military men and women, I believe that we have to be vigilant in supporting our troops by giving them every resource they need to accomplish their crucial mission.

Soon after we finished, we received a command briefing from the 3rd Army, famous for being under the command of General George Patton in World War II.  Today, the 3rd Army is a key component in winning the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, as they provide massive support functions to troops in battle.  At the briefing, I learned how much of this work would not be possible without the steady support of our reserve forces.  The general with whom we spoke emphasized the important—and often underappreciated—role they play, while somehow balancing the needs of a family and job back home.  It was also emphasized that despite the negative impression some folks have of the progress in Iraq and Afghanistan, there is much good news to report on a daily basis.  Most significantly, Iraq has just held and certified its very first democratic election and convened its first congress.  What was once seen as only a distant possibility is now becoming a reality for the Iraqi people who desire to be free.

Before heading into Iraq, the Second Amendments were able to once again play for the troops over their lunch break.  I am humbled and encouraged each time I get to sit down and listen to their stories.  Today, I had the privilege of meeting Dennis O'Sullivan, formerly of Henderson and a Major in the Air Force.  His overwhelmingly positive attitude was reflective of all the troops I've had the opportunity to meet during my time here.

After lunch, we boarded a plane and headed for Balad, a military base north of Baghdad.  Once on the ground, I was struck by the reality of the war we are fighting and the high stakes we face as we fight.  Everywhere on the base, military personnel worked feverishly to support those going to and coming from battle on the front lines.  Our first stop was a visit with the 29th Brigade Combat Team, under the command of General Chaves, which is responsible for the security of our forces in Balad.  They took us to the Joint Intelligence Center, which is where the determination is made for what intelligence is collected.  Next we went to the Joint Defense Operations Center, where we saw the capabilities our military has for collecting that intelligence.

Our next stop was to the 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group, commanded by Colonel Powell, who is in charge of the largest hospital in theater.  Here we had another opportunity to meet with nursing staff and examine the challenges they face in the military and during their transition back to the private sector.

We were reminded first-hand of the work that still needs to be done in Iraq on the security front when insurgents fired five rounds into the base while we were still meeting with the nurses.  Our group was quickly taken to bomb shelters until the attack passed and the all-clear could be sounded.

The brief risk we faced today gave us a small glimpse into the daily life of our brave men and women fighting to win the war on terror.

Many of these men and women are our fellow Nevada citizens, some of which I was fortunate to meet, including Jaquie Jones, Marlon Giovanni, George Cloud and Charlie Moore.

Before we left for our return to Kuwait, the Second Amendments were able to play one more time for the troops, extending our night into the early hours of Friday morning. It was energizing to play for a group of people that work overtime everyday for their friends, family and fellow citizens back home in the U.S.

Tomorrow morning, we will travel to Pakistan and ultimately to Afghanistan to be there over New Year's Eve.  I look forward to keeping you posted on my observations as we continue our travels this week.

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