Congressional Delegation Visits Soldiers

Courtesy Photo | Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee and representative of the state of Missouri, Ike Skelton, shakes the hand of Jefferson City native, Robert Haaf, the first sergeant for the 1138th Engineer (Sapper) Company out of Jefferson Barracks, Mo., in his visit to the unit's maintenance shop, Dec. 25. Skelton is the head of a group of U.S. representatives from different states including Minnesota, Kansas, New York and Virginia, decided to spend Christmas with troops in order to build morale and support. He is also recognized for being an asset to the transfer of the Army Engineer School to Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., and the B-2 Stealth bomber to Whiteman Air Force Base in the same state. (U.S. Army photo/Spc. Angel D. Martinez, 113th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

12.28.2007

Courtesy Story

Multi-National Division Baghdad

By Capt. Jeff Crane
35th Engineer Brigade Public Affairs Office

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – Soldiers from the 35th Engineer Brigade received a special visit on Christmas from a congressional delegation led by the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Rep. Ike Skelton (democrat – Mo.), congressman.

The delegation also included representatives Randy Forbes (republican – Va.), Nancy Boyda (D – Kan.), Michele Bachmann (R – Minn .) and Eliot Engel (D – N.Y.). The representatives met with Soldiers, primarily from their respective districts, at the brigade motor pool and then shared a Christmas meal together.

Soldiers from the engineer brigade were grateful the congressmen took time out of their busy schedules to visit them on Christmas day. "The Soldiers are extremely honored to have Congressman Skelton and his delegation visit us," stated Brig Gen. Michael Pace, 35th Engineer Brigade commander.

• Date Taken: 12.28.2007
• Date Posted: 12.28.2007 13:20
• Story ID: 15056
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ