Boozman to Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan

Press Release

Makes 6th trip to Iraq; focusing on medical care, visiting with Arkansans

U.S. Representative John Boozman (R-AR) today departed for his sixth trip to Iraq since the start of hostilities.

The congressional delegation is sponsored by the House Veterans Affairs Committee and is headed by Chairman Bob Filner (D-CA).

Boozman, the ranking member on the Veterans' Economic Opportunity Subcommittee, will arrive in Kuwait early Tuesday morning, local time, before traveling into Iraq.

While there, the delegation will receive briefings from military and diplomatic officers. The goal of the trip, according to Boozman, is to make contact with Arkansans serving in theater and to focus on medical care for injured troops from the front lines through their transfer to military hospitals.

"My first priority is to meet with the men and women from Arkansas who are in country, so that I can let them know how much we all appreciate their efforts and their service to our state and our country," Boozman said. "Each of them deserves our respect and praise, and I look forward to meeting with them so I can learn, first-hand, if they are receiving the tools they need to do their jobs.

"I also hope to talk some Razorback football with them," Boozman added.

Rep. Boozman made a similar trip to Iraq in August 2006. While there, Boozman traveled to the Red Zone to meet face-to-face with Iraqi President Jalal Talabani. In late May, the House passed the "Early Access to Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Benefits Act," offered by Rep. Boozman. The legislation expands eligibility for vocational rehabilitation benefits for severely injured service members undergoing long-term care and recovery.

The delegation will also travel to Afghanistan and Pakistan.

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