Washington, D.C., Aug 15, 2008 - Congressman Loebsack recently completed a trip to Iraq with a bipartisan group of his colleagues.  The Congressman is expected to return home in the coming days.  Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement after visiting members of the Iowa National Guard currently serving in Iraq.  

“I have visited Iraq twice before, the best part of these trips is having the honor and opportunity to personally thank the brave and selfless men and women serving in our armed services. My priority is supporting our men and women in uniform and ensuring their safety, I believe every servicemember and their families must be served by their country with the same dedication and honor with which they have served our nation.

“During this recent trip I had the opportunity to meet with members of Iowa’s National Guard from across our state.  I brought them calling cards, so they can more easily speak with their loved ones back home.  I also brought out hats from the Cedar Rapids Kernels and some footballs signed by the University of Iowa football team.  

“Our troops have performed admirably and have successfully completed every mission given to them.  In Congress, I am working to ensure everything is being done to provide appropriate care and treatment to servicemembers on the battlefield, upon their return home, and throughout their lives.”