Tuesday, November 3, 2009 — Congressman Larry Kissell (NC-08) traveled to Afghan-istan over the weekend as part of a Congressional Delegation to receive operational assessments of Operation Enduring Freedom.
“It is important to be able to, first hand and directly, see what our troops are facing, and hear what our military leaders are saying,” Kissell said.
“Our military leaders have told me they need more troops to be successful in their mission. They believe that we have a limited window of opportunity. I agree we should give them the troops needed to finish this mission and protect U.S. interests. At the same time, we must be firm that this must be done with the goal of bringing this war to an end sooner, not later. We cannot lose sight of the many priorities at home that we need to focus our resources on.”
Kissell visited several Afghanistan military bases including Kandahar Air Field, Bagram Air Base, Camp Bastion, Camp Leatherneck and Patrol Base Jaker-Nawa. He was able to talk with troops, and spend time with many members of Fort Bragg’s 82nd Airborne.
Along with military progress, the trip was also an opportunity to assess the civilian progress.
“During a recent meeting with members of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction’s office, they affirmed my concern that we need to have the Afghan people more involved in strengthening their own nation,” Kissell said.
“During the trip, I met with provincial and village leaders to determine if this was being taken into account. I believe the Inspector General’s office is correct. It is only by, with, and through the Afghan people that we will have success in Afghanistan and thus truly protect the long-term interests of the United States. Our military leaders concurred with that assessment. In spending time with our brave young men and women, it is also a stark reminder of the human toll of war. I have tremendous respect for the pride and determination they show in performing their mission. We, as a nation, should be ever mindful of the sacrifices they and their families back home make as they fight to protect our interests and our way of life.”
This was Kissell’s second time in Afghanistan. In April, he traveled to Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait to make ground level assessments.
Kissell will host a Veterans meeting at Richmond Community College’s Cole Auditorium and Community Center in Hamlet on Nov. 13, 2009 at 3 p.m.
“These meetings give me an opportunity to meet with our local Veterans and listen to their issues first hand,” Kissell said. “It is important for me to talk to our Vets and hear their voices and work to find solutions for the special issues they face. Our Veterans have given so much to our country – we owe them a special debt of gratitude, and we must work hard to repay that debt.”
Kissell will talk to Veterans about recent legislation he has supported and what he hopes to accomplish as he continues to make Veterans a priority in Washington. Veterans and representatives from Veterans organizations are encouraged to attend.
For information, please contact Kissell’s Concord District Office at (704) 786-1612.
Local News
Related Photos
-
Larry Kissell
Discussion
Congressmann Kissell visits Afghanistan, meets with troops
- Local News
-
-
World War II veterans will gather at luncheon
Stanly Community College (SCC) will host its 9th Annual WWII Veterans recognition luncheon May 29 in the Webb Student Center on the Albemarle campus.
-
Stanly County Family YMCA Awarded $25,000 Grant from ALCOA Foundation
The Alcoa Foundation has awarded a grant of $25,000 to the Stanly County Family YMCA to help promote water safety and swimming skills through the 2nd Grade Learn to Swim Program at the Y.
-
World's Largest Swimming lesson set for June 14
Stanly County Family YMCA serving as an official host location
-
Volunteers help United Way agencies, community during Day of Caring
On May 11, more than 80 volunteers gathered at various worksites around Stanly County to participate in the second United Way Day of Caring event.
-
City offers optional warranty protection
The city of Albemarle is introducing a new, optional program available to homeowners, provided through the National League of Cities (NLC) Service Line Warranty Program administered by Service Line Warranties of America (SLWA).
-
Chamber members, elected officials help break ground on Richfield McDonald’s
The Stanly County Chamber of Commerce joined with local officials, clergy and business owners Thursday morning to break ground at what is to be the site of the fourth McDonald’s in Stanly County.
-
Manager proposes no tax increase; other rates may go up
Several changes are proposed for the upcoming budget year for Stanly County, according to County Manager Andy Lucas, who presented the recommended 2012-2013 budget during Monday night’s Stanly County Board of Commissioners meeting.
-
Sheriff’s Office arrests sex offender, says he failed to notify it of address change
An Albemarle man is facing sex offender non-compliance charges after he failed to notify authorities of his address change.
-
IAC receives GM award for third time
For the third time in four years, International Auto-motive Components (IAC) was named the Supplier of the Year by General Motors.
-
Police arrest 2 on multiple charges
Two individuals were arrested after stolen property was found at a residence in Albemarle.
- More Local News Headlines
-
World War II veterans will gather at luncheon
