thedrifter
12-27-07, 07:10 AM
12/26/2007
Forbes spends Christmas visiting troops in Iraq
BY LINDSAY SIMPSON
STAFF WRITER
WASHINGTON — American soldiers, marines, airmen and sailors serving their country overseas were not the only ones away from their loved ones this Christmas. Yesterday Congressman J. Randy Forbes, R-4th, spent his holiday in Iraq, visiting those away from home.
“This is not a trip where we carry expectations, we just carry gratitude,” said Forbes last week as he prepared for his trip. “I’m going with the chairman of the Armed Services Committee. Our goal is just to thank our men and women serving us.”
Forbes left on Christmas Eve for Iraq. His itinerary included visiting with Maj. Gen. Walter Gaskins, the Marine Expeditionary Force commanding officer, Gen. David Patraeus and the ambassador to Iraq, Ryan Crocker.
He also spent a large portion of his time in Iraq visiting the military men and women stationed there, many of whom were from Virginia.
“We hope to get to as many Virginians, not just district people,” said Forbes. “We’ve got a list of Virginia folks all across Iraq, and we’re going to get to as many of them as we can.”
He also spent the morning at a church service with the troops before meeting with Iraqi political leaders.
Although Forbes has been to Iraq before, he said this was his first time there during the holidays.
Inspiring him and encouraging him to spend time with the troops in Iraq was Forbes’ wife, Shirley.
When Forbes thanked his wife for being so understanding of his incredibly busy schedule in Washington and of his plans to visit the troops in Iraq for Christmas, she responded, “I know how important what our troops are doing in Iraq is and I know how important it is for you to support them. It’s important for our children to see and not just hear that the price of freedom doesn’t come free and there are sacrifices you have to make.”
In addition to visiting with the troops, Forbes said he and others are bringing thousands of Christmas cards for the deployed men and women.
“We’re carrying literally thousands of cards from people all over the country,” he said. Many of the cards express gratitude for the freedom the families enjoy and extend well wishes and prayers to those who are overseas. “We’re going to take that to our men and women in uniform. We’ve collected literally thousands ... for several months now.”
“Sometimes the least we can do is go there and say ‘Thank you’ and ‘We’re thinking of you,’” said Forbes.
• Lindsay Simpson may be reached at 732-3456, ext. 272 or lsimpson@progress-index.com.
Ellie
Forbes spends Christmas visiting troops in Iraq
BY LINDSAY SIMPSON
STAFF WRITER
WASHINGTON — American soldiers, marines, airmen and sailors serving their country overseas were not the only ones away from their loved ones this Christmas. Yesterday Congressman J. Randy Forbes, R-4th, spent his holiday in Iraq, visiting those away from home.
“This is not a trip where we carry expectations, we just carry gratitude,” said Forbes last week as he prepared for his trip. “I’m going with the chairman of the Armed Services Committee. Our goal is just to thank our men and women serving us.”
Forbes left on Christmas Eve for Iraq. His itinerary included visiting with Maj. Gen. Walter Gaskins, the Marine Expeditionary Force commanding officer, Gen. David Patraeus and the ambassador to Iraq, Ryan Crocker.
He also spent a large portion of his time in Iraq visiting the military men and women stationed there, many of whom were from Virginia.
“We hope to get to as many Virginians, not just district people,” said Forbes. “We’ve got a list of Virginia folks all across Iraq, and we’re going to get to as many of them as we can.”
He also spent the morning at a church service with the troops before meeting with Iraqi political leaders.
Although Forbes has been to Iraq before, he said this was his first time there during the holidays.
Inspiring him and encouraging him to spend time with the troops in Iraq was Forbes’ wife, Shirley.
When Forbes thanked his wife for being so understanding of his incredibly busy schedule in Washington and of his plans to visit the troops in Iraq for Christmas, she responded, “I know how important what our troops are doing in Iraq is and I know how important it is for you to support them. It’s important for our children to see and not just hear that the price of freedom doesn’t come free and there are sacrifices you have to make.”
In addition to visiting with the troops, Forbes said he and others are bringing thousands of Christmas cards for the deployed men and women.
“We’re carrying literally thousands of cards from people all over the country,” he said. Many of the cards express gratitude for the freedom the families enjoy and extend well wishes and prayers to those who are overseas. “We’re going to take that to our men and women in uniform. We’ve collected literally thousands ... for several months now.”
“Sometimes the least we can do is go there and say ‘Thank you’ and ‘We’re thinking of you,’” said Forbes.
• Lindsay Simpson may be reached at 732-3456, ext. 272 or lsimpson@progress-index.com.
Ellie