CASTRO VISITS TROOPS IN AFGHANISTAN

Washington, D.C– Congressman Joaquin Castro (D-TX) released the following statement upon his return from visiting the U.S. military troops stationed in Afghanistan. Congressman Castro joined House Armed Services Committee Chairman Howard “Buck” McKeon (R-CA) and Rep. Jeff Denham (R-CA) as part of the Congressional delegation chosen to visit the troops a week before Afghanistan holds presidential elections on Saturday, April 5, 2014.

“I visited the U.S troops stationed in Kabul, Kandahar and Gardez, Paktika. During my three-day stay, I had a chance to meet impressive men and women from San Antonio and across Texas and express our nation’s gratitude for their service. I am extremely proud of these soldiers’ courage and was honored to present them with a Texas flag and letters from students from Tafolla Middle and Kuentz Elementary schools to remind them of home.

As part of the Congressional delegation visiting Afghanistan before that nation’s presidential elections, I also had fruitful meetings with top U.S. and Afghan officials. I’m optimistic for the prospect of a bilateral security agreement between the United States and Afghanistan. 

My visit was a clear reminder that we must show our appreciation by caring for our soldiers’ families when they are away and supporting them when they come home. These soldiers guard the freedoms we enjoy every day and for that we must never forget to extend our thanks in every way we can.”

Background: 
Congressman Castro serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the Foreign Affairs Committee. He represents San Antonio, a city known as Military City, USA, as it is home to 3 military bases and a large military veteran population.  
Texas is the state with the third largest active duty military population, after California and Virginia, with over 123,000 active personnel. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs there are 1.7 million veterans living in Texas.

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