WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) returned earlier this week from a congressional delegation trip to Afghanistan and Kuwait. In addition to Senator Capito, the delegation included U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), and U.S. Representatives Mike Turner (R-Ohio) and John Curtis (R-Utah). During the trip, Senator Capito had the opportunity to meet West Virginians with the 863rd Military Police Unit from the West Virginia Army National Guard, based out of Glen Jean, West Virginia.
“After having the opportunity to once again visit this region of the world, I have a stronger understanding of the progress we’ve made when it comes to counter-terrorism efforts, as well as the potential national security threats that exist. It was clear to me during this trip that the areas our military is working on in terms of counter-terrorism is exceedingly important to helping the Afghan national forces, national police, and their government secure more of their territory. If we don’t, they face the risk over being overtaken by very violent terrorist groups, which in turn will endanger our homeland. I’m proud of the work that our men and women in uniform are doing there, which ultimately keeps our homeland safe. I was especially proud to have met members of the 863rd Military Police Unit from the West Virginia Army National Guard, based out of Glen Jean, West Virginia. Meeting with these men and women, as well as the other service members was such an honor, and I have the utmost gratitude and respect for their service and sacrifice.”
During the trip, the delegation met with soldiers and commanders in Kuwait and Afghanistan, spoke with the U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan at the Embassy, had dinner with the President of Afghanistan, received extensive military briefings on the region, and met with the U.S. Ambassador to NATO in Brussel, among other items.
Photos from the congressional delegation trip are included below.
Senator Capito pictured above with Congressman Curtis and Smith.
Senators Capito, Ernst, and Gillibrand pictured with female members of the Afghan National Security Forces.
Senator Capito pictured above with U.S. Ambassador to NATO, Kay Bailey Hutchinson at the Truman House in Brussels.
While in Kabul, Senator Capito meets with members of the 863rd Military Police Unit from the West Virginia Army National Guard, which is based in Glen Jean, West Virginia.
Senator Capito visits with soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division.
Background and Itinerary:
Senator Capito and the delegation arrived in Kuwait on the evening of Friday, November 22. The following morning, on Saturday, November 23, Senator Capito and the delegation traveled to Camp Arifjan where they met with soldiers and commanders.
Later that day, Senator Capito and the delegation departed for Kabul, Afghanistan. That evening, the group attended a series of meetings at the U.S. Embassy, including a meeting with John Rodney Bass II, U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan. They also received military briefings on the situation in the region.
The next morning, on Sunday, November 24, Senator Capito and the delegation traveled to Camp Morehead in Afghanistan. That evening, the delegation attended a dinner with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani at the Presidential Palace. They also met with the Chief Executive of Afghanistan, Dr. Abdullah Abdullah. On Monday, November 25, the group visited Bagram Airfield. That evening, they began the trip back to the United States with a stop in Brussels, Belgium, where they met with Kay Bailey Hutchinson, the U.S. Ambassador to NATO. They arrived back at the Andrews Air Force Base near Washington, D.C. early on Tuesday, November 26.
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