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Congressional Delegations Visits Diamondback

Jun- 7-2006 » Filed Under: TF Band of Brothers

Written by Sgt. Dennis Gravelle

MOSUL, Iraq (June 4, 206) --Four Representatives from Congress were greeted by Maj. Gen. Thomas Turner, Task Force Band of Brothers commanding general at Logistical Staging Area Diamondback, Mosul, Iraq June 4th.

The representatives arrived in Mosul to receive a status update on the 2nd Division of the Iraqi army and to spend lunch with individual Soldiers from their home states.

Representatives John Kline from Minnesota, Michael Conway from Texas, Madeleine Bordallo from Guam, and Bob Etheridge from North Carolina received a briefing from Lt. Col. Aidis Zunde, 101st command group, deputy chief of staff on the readiness of each Iraqi division in the Ninewah and Dahuk provinces.

On hand was the commander of the Iraqi army 2nd Division to give a briefing and to answer any questions the delegation might have. During his portion of the meeting he informed the delegates that his division is short on non commissioned officers, but over all are ready to assume authority.

After their briefing, the delegates boarded a bus and were escorted to the dining facility on Forward Operating Base Marez to have an opportunity to meet and have lunch with Soldiers from their home states in which they represent.

At the completion of lunch, Col. Michael Shields, commander, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team handed each representative a certificate of appreciation and a battalion coin.

“We want to thank you for coming here and spending time with our Soldiers,” said Shields.

“This is my ninth time in Iraq,” said Rep. Madeleine Bordallo. “We are here to conduct business, but the main reason we are here is to see the Soldiers.

According to Rep John Kline, this is his fourth trip to Iraq. “It is always an honor to get the chance to meet the men and woman who are out here doing the job they do. Keep up the great work,” he said.

When lunch ended, the delegates were given the chance to see vehicles and equipment used to clear improvised explosive devices on a daily basis.

“We have cleared more than 100 IED’s,” said the captain giving the briefing.

The delegates then boarded their bus and were taking back to the airfield where they boarded their plane en-route to their next destination.
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