Congressional Delegation visits Deployed Troops

By Sgt. Angela LordenAugust 23, 2016

Congressional Delegation visits Deployed Troops
1 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Rep. Kay Granger, congresswoman of the 12th district of Texas, shares a conversation Maj. Maria Quinn, an officer with the Texas National Guard, on August 18, 2016 at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. Granger's visit was part a congressional delegation tour... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Congressional Delegation visits Deployed Troops
2 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, congressman of the third district of Arkansas, shares conversation with Soldiers deployed from the Arkansas National Guard on August 18, 2016 at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. Womack's visit was part a congressional delegation tour des... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Congressional Delegation visits Deployed Troops
3 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, congressman of the third district of Arkansas, and U.S. Rep. Kay Granger, congresswoman of the 12th district of Texas, listen to a briefing about U.S. Army Central's operations at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait on August 18, 2016. The r... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Congressional Delegation visits Deployed Troops
4 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, congressman of the third district of Arkansas and U.S. Rep. Kay Granger, congresswoman of the 12th district of Texas, have a conversation with Maj. Gen. Paul Hurley, the Deputy Commanding General - Sustainment of U.S. Army Cen... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Congressional Delegation visits Deployed Troops
5 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, congressman of the third district of Arkansas, and U.S. Rep. Kay Granger, congresswoman of the 12th district of Texas, pose for a photo with Soldiers and civilians at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, August 18, 2016. The representative's... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

U.S. Rep. Kay Granger, congresswoman of the 12th district of Texas, and U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, congressman of the third district of Arkansas, shared a meal and conversation with service members deployed to U.S. Army Central's area of operations Aug. 18 at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait.

This congressional delegation was part of a three-country visit designed to give lawmakers first-hand knowledge of matters relevant to their legislation. The representatives traveled to Latvia, U.S. Army Europe's AOR and then concluded their trip at Camp Arifjan.

"I wanted to come visit and get an understanding of the AOR here," Womack said.

The two representatives attended a luncheon with National Guard Soldiers from their respective districts in Arkansas and Texas.

"I'm here to talk to these troops and listen to what they have to say," Granger said.

Afterwards, the representatives tour facilities and attended USARCENT briefings giving them an understanding of the command's mission set.

"I wish every member of congress could hear that same briefing of what our troops are doing and what they need us to do," Granger said.

Womack said this trip gave him better context for future decisions as an appropriator and member of congress.

"There's an old saying that seeing is believing," Womack said. "Anytime you can see firsthand what we're asking our men and women in uniform to do, it's tremendously beneficial to members like myself."

The representative from Texas also said the experience was beneficial to her.

"You can sit in your office, read reports and get part of the story," said Granger "So to say yes, I went there, I talked to people and here's what's happening -- it helps everyone."