<b> FORT STEWART, Ga. </B>-- Georgia congressional staff members got a taste of the Army life during a visit to Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield, Jan. 21. Jerr Rosenbaum and Norah Jones, chief of staff and senior policy advisor for U.S. Representative Jack Kingston, suited up at Small Arms Range Delta for a lesson in Soldiering hosted by the 1st Battalion, 76th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

The "Patriot Battalion" showcased Army essentials to the VIPs, including weapons systems, personal protective equipment and military vehicles.

"We explained to them an overview of the weapons, their functionality and basic components," said Staff Sgt. Joseph Reece, who taught the effectiveness of the M240 machinegun and the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon to Rosenbaum and Jones.

The Soldiers also served their guests an authentic Army lunch - a Meal Ready to Eat, or MRE.

"The meal is meant to provide troops with maximum energy in a combat or field environment," said Staff Sgt. William Mattingly, while explaining how to heat the contents of the self contained field ration.

Rosenbaum then joined Soldiers at the gun line, and fired the M4-carbine rifle alongside the field artillerymen.

The VIP visit also included a tour of Stewart-Hunter and a stop at Warrior's Walk to honor fallen Soldiers at the installation's Tree Dedication Ceremony.