Today, Congressman Dave Loebsack returned home from a trip to Afghanistan.  During the visit, Congressman Loebsack had the honor to share Thanksgiving dinner with servicemembers who are spending the holiday away from their loved ones while defending our country abroad.   

“I have visited the troops in Afghanistan twice before, and on this trip I had the special opportunity to give thanks and celebrate our country’s values as embodied in the Thanksgiving holiday with our troops,” said Congressman Loebsack.  “It was inspiring to be part of this celebration, and I felt honored to have the opportunity to personally thank the brave and selfless men and women serving in our armed services for their service and sacrifice during this holiday season.”

To bring Iowans and other Soldiers a piece of home during the holidays, Congressman Loebsack hand delivered letters from school children back in Iowa, as well as calling cards provided by the USO so our servicmembers can speak with their loved ones back home during the holiday season.  
    
Another critical reason for this, and the Congressman’s other visits to Afghanistan, is the opportunity to personally meet with top military leaders on the ground to receive an update on our operations and readiness needs.  On this trip, Congressman Loebsack met with top military and civilian leaders in Afghanistan.

On this trip, Congressman Loebsack was joined by a bipartisan delegation of his Congressional colleagues.  The delegation included House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton (MO-04), Congressman Solomon Ortiz (TX-27), Congressman Rick Larson (WA-02), Congressman Tim Murphy (PA-18), and Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo (GUAM).