FT. LEAVENWORTH, KANSAS – Today, Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins attended the International Flag Ceremony for the Command and General Staff College at Ft. Leavenworth.  This annual ceremony marks the start of each new class of the Command and General Staff College. She also visited the Dwight D. Eisenhower VA Medical Center in Leavenworth to meet with hospitalized veterans.

“The Command and General Staff College is a true example of international cooperation and commitment to world peace,” Jenkins said. “The information shared and experiences brought to the college improve our security both at home and abroad. Being here today reaffirmed how critical the Command and General Staff College is to all participating countries, especially to our nation. I will continue fighting to ensure nothing jeopardizes the Command and General Staff College now or in the future.”

There are 46 military officers from 45 nations around the world in the 2009 Command and General Staff College class. The national colors from each country were presented in the flag ceremony. This is the 115th year for the college, which has trained more than 7,200 officers from 153 countries. Many of the officers who go through the college have gone on to hold key positions in their countries, including heads of state, ambassadors, and chiefs of staff. After the ceremony, Jenkins visited the Leavenworth VA Medical Center.

“It was an honor to meet with our nation’s veterans at the VA Center today,” Jenkins said. “These folks gave selflessly to protect our country, and we all owe them a debt of gratitude. It will always be one of my priorities to make certain our veterans receive the care and services they deserve.

“Ft. Leavenworth, Fort Riley and Forbes Field are vital to the 2nd District. I recently joined the House Army Caucus and the Military Veterans Caucus so I can effectively represent these installations and our veterans in Washington. I also am a co-sponsor H.R. 707, a bill to allow military families to send letters or packages free of charge to their loved ones serving in combat. It is very important for our soldiers to maintain contact with their families, and H.R. 707 makes it easier for that to happen.”