04/25/13 Congresswoman Jackie Walorski (IN-02), a freshman member of the House Armed Services Committee, Tuesday returned to Washington after her first visit to Afghanistan and Bahrain.
“Our military embodies a standard of excellence, professionalism, and unparalleled talent that all Americans should be proud of,” said Walorski. “I was deeply humbled to meet Hoosier servicemen and women during their deployment in Afghanistan, to thank them for their devoted service and deliver care packages and cooling neck wraps from the HUGS Project of Elkhart.”
Members of Congress met with military officials, the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), and U.S. Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan James B. Cunningham, stopping later in Bahrain to meet with the U.S. Ambassador to Bahrain and leaders from the Navy’s 5th Fleet. While in Afghanistan, the delegation heard important updates from key leaders on military, civil, counter-insurgency, and counter-terrorism initiatives.
“I appreciate the opportunity to learn more about the current state of interagency cooperation, special operations, and intelligence activities in Afghanistan. Visiting our troops in theater reinforces the urgent need for Congress to ensure our military is prepared to respond to threats around the globe and keep faith with servicemembers and their families when they return home.” said Walorski.
The trip was led by Rep. Rob Wittman (VA-01), and included Rep. Bill Enyart (IL-12), Rep. Joe Courtney (CT-02), Rep. Bill Flores (TX-17), and Rep. Madeleine Bordallo (GU). Walorski was one of only two freshmen Members in the delegation.
