Ramstein Air Base, Germany -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi wrapped up a four-day Congressional Delegation to the Middle East and Afghanistan today by meeting with troops and visiting wounded warriors in Germany.
This morning, Pelosi and the delegation were briefed by senior commanders of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) on military operations in Europe, toured the flight line of Ramstein Air Base, including a review of the contingency response and tactical airlift units. The delegation then visited troops wounded in Afghanistan and Iraq who have been airlifted to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center.
The delegation then flew to Stuttgart, where General William 'Kip' Ward, Commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), and Lt. Gen. John Gardner, Deputy Commander, U.S. European Command (EUCOM), led briefings on operations in Africa, Europe, and with our NATO partners in Afghanistan and Iraq. The delegation concluded their visit to Stuttgart by thanking our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines for their service.
Over the weekend, the delegation visited with troops in Afghanistan, including meeting with female troops who are mothers, on Mother's Day, and meeting with Afghan women and with female Marines who engage with Afghan civilians in the field. The delegation arrived in the Middle East on Friday and visited American troops at Qatar's Al Udeid Air Base, part of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
“We honor their sacrifice and the sacrifice of our men and women in uniform, who serve with bravery, courage, and an unwavering commitment to the safety and security of the American people,' Pelosi said.
In addition to Speaker Pelosi, other members of the Congressional Delegation are: Susan Davis of California, Chair of the Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel; Madeleine Bordallo of Guam, Member of the Armed Services Committee; Niki Tsongas of Massachusetts, Member of the Armed Services Committee; and Donna Edwards of Maryland, Member of the Science and Technology Committee.
The delegation returns to Washington tonight.
