U.S. Rep. McSally Returns from Visiting Troops, Hearing About Military Operations in Middle East, Afghanistan

TUCSON – U.S. Representative Martha McSally yesterday returned from leading a Congressional Delegation trip to the Middle East and Afghanistan, where she and a group of women lawmakers met with U.S. service members and deployed Department of Defense mothers and received mission briefings on our military operations in the region. The group also met with Afghan Women Parliamentarians and Civil Society leaders as well as Mrs. Ghani, wife of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani.

“Being over there, we were reminded that every day our deployed service members make sacrifices for our safety and security at home,” said Rep. McSally. “We heard about the serious threats to us and our allies from ISIS terrorists and Taliban insurgents and saw how our forces are assisting in these fights, including an A-10 squadron. It was especially rewarding to meet some of our deployed Airmen from Davis-Monthan and deliver Mother’s Day cards written by local students. When you’re deployed, you often sacrifice holidays and spending time with family to carry out your duty, so this was a nice way to say “thank you” for all that they do.”

Meeting 1st Lieutenant Stephanie Edson, who’s deployed from Davis Monthan

On the trip, the Congressional Delegation, led by Rep. McSally, traveled to Qatar, Afghanistan, and southwest Asia. In addition to sharing meals with service members and deployed Department of Defense mothers, the Congresswomen heard briefings on the latest in our fight against ISIS (Operation Inherent Resolve) from the Joint Task Force Commander and Air Component Commander. They also received briefings about our ongoing operations in Afghanistan (Operation Resolute Support) from General John Campbell, Commander of U.S. Forces in Afghanistan, and U.S. embassy leadership. 

Meeting with service women of the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing and Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Central Command

With Airmen from the 55th Electronic Combat Group from DM in front an EC-130

Delivering Mother’s Day cards written by Tucson students

Rep. McSally also delivered Mother’s Day cards written by students from Ventana Vista Elementary and White Elementary School in Tucson.

To view more photos from the trip, click HERE.