A Visit With the Troops

A VISIT WITH THE TROOPS
January 24, 2006

Washington, D.C. - I recently had the once in a lifetime opportunity to travel to the Middle East to visit with our troops. This trip was very important to me. I wanted to take this journey so I could talk firsthand to our troops and be sure they have the body armor and equipment they need, and I wanted to see for myself the kind of progress that is being made in Afghanistan and Iraq. Another purpose for our visit was to learn about how we can help these new democracies get up and running. It was truly one of the most eye opening experiences I've had, and I am pleased to bring back a good report.

I traveled with a bipartisan group of my colleagues from the House Agriculture Committee. A major component of our mission was to learn about the agricultural issues that affect countries in the Middle East. Our trip included stops in Bulgaria, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iraq.

We met with and were briefed by dozens of foreign dignitaries, leaders, military officials and U.S. generals -- all of whom shared positive information with us -- but the hundreds of troops I talked to throughout my travels told me the real story. I have never met a more energized, dedicated group of people in my life. And I can honestly say I have never been prouder of our military or our great nation.

It was incredible to witness our men and women working side by side with the Afghan and Iraqi people to help empower these nations to come to know the freedoms that we know so well.

In Afghanistan, our troops are helping to bring an entire nation back. This country has been plagued by war, poverty and a severe drought for years. Their agriculture system virtually went away. Our men and woman are helping the Afghan people to irrigate and plant in fields that were until very recently little more than dust. Soon, with modern seeds and updated technology, they will not only feed themselves, they will be able to export food again.

I also had the opportunity to meet with President Karzai, the leader of Afghanistan. It was an honor to meet him and discuss his vision. He expressed his gratitude to America for helping his people take their country back. But he also shared his concerns, and asked for our assurance that American troops wouldn't be withdrawn as NATO becomes more of a presence in the region.

Flying into Iraq, it was hard to believe I was headed into the place that I have thought so much about in recent years. My experience there was incredible. I wish all of you had the chance to talk to our young men and women in uniform as I did, and experience their commitment and conviction to their mission. My heart was lifted by their patriotism.

In Iraq, we were briefed by Embassy officials about our mission and the progress we are making there. For example, Iraq's current stock exchange consists of handwritten stocks traded about twice a week. But by September, if things continue to progress on track, there will be a stock exchange in place where stocks are traded in virtual imagery, much the same as they are traded here.

We also met with General George Casey, who is leading the military operation in Iraq, who reiterated that our top priority is enabling Iraq to be a self-sufficient, independent nation. We are making great progress in the training of a professional Iraqi military force that will protect their nation. Things are happening fast, but some critics want progress to happen faster. I understand that, but after hearing from General Casey, talking to the troops, and witnessing the progress in Iraq, I do believe that we are moving as fast as we can. In fact, if the progress continues, I was told we may see begin to see withdrawal of our troops later this year.

According to General Casey, the "Genie is out of the bottle," meaning the Iraqi people are experiencing freedom, and there is no turning back. General Casey pointed out that as more people have satellite dishes on roof tops and cell phones it becomes impossible for anyone to stop the flow of information from the outside world.

A couple of highlights from my trip included a chance meeting with a young woman standing guard outside of General Casey's office who happened to be from my hometown of Miami Township. I also had the incredible opportunity to share a meal with troops from Ohio at Camp Victory in Baghdad. These folks were from all walks of life, all ages and represented all ethnicities, but they shared an unwavering commitment to their mission and a love for their jobs.

Although I can't share details of the meeting, I also had a private discussion with General Casey about the ongoing search efforts for Army Specialist Matt Maupin of Clermont County who was captured in Iraq in April of 2004. Based on what I heard in this meeting, I feel positive that everything possible is being done to continue the search for Matt. I will continue to do everything in my power to make sure the search efforts continue.

Besides the 40 pound armored vests and helmets we were required to wear in Iraq, there were other harsh reminders of the remaining violence in this part of the world. While visiting Camp Charlie, a triage unit in Afghanistan, we saw a young victim of a roadside bombing who had sustained serious injuries. We also paused at a wall of photos in remembrance of our young men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

This trip has left me feeling stronger than ever in my convictions. I am recommitted to doing everything in my power to help our men and women in uniform accomplish the mission they are so determined to accomplish. And even though they are thousands of miles away, our troops hear what we say, they read our headlines, and they only ask for one thing from us: our support.

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/oh02_schmidt/A_visit_with_the_troops.html