WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts has just returned from a five day trip to Iraq and Kuwait where he observed firsthand the morale and readiness of U.S. forces, including the Kansas based First Infantry Division of the U.S. Army which is engaged in the ongoing effort to combat ISIL and other challenges in the region. Photos below and audio here. 

“First let me assure you,” Roberts said, “our soldiers, airmen and Marines are in fine form. I was privileged to express my gratitude for their service and their sacrifice, especially at the holidays. Second, I made it clear to our men and women in uniform that I will ensure they have everything they need to accomplish their mission, and, most important, to return home safely to their families.”

“I witnessed firsthand the excellent work our troops are doing, especially those members of the Big Red One from Ft. Riley. My confidence has grown in this mission.

“I was privileged to witness the biggest victory to date in this campaign, as the First Infantry Division stationed in Erbil provided intelligence and air power to the Kurds fighting on the ground. We are starting to see ISIL fall in some of its strongest areas. They are falling back. 

“The path we are currently on gives me confidence. What the new Prime Minister in Iraq has achieved in his first 100 days has been good. However, continued progress is absolutely crucial.”

Roberts’ trip included the following meetings and briefings:

·         US Embassy in Kuwait where he met with U.S. Ambassador Douglas Sillman

·         Al Jaber Air Base, Kuwait, where he visited with Kansas airmen

·         Met with the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force

·         Camp Buehring, Kuwait, where he observed the First Infantry Division in a troop training exercise.

·         Baghdad, where he was briefed by 1st Infantry Division Commander M.G. Paul E. Funk II

·         Meeting with Iraq Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi

·         Meeting with Iraq Minister of Defense: General Babakir Zebari

·         Meeting with Iraq Foreign Minister: Ibrahim al-Jaafari

·         Toured the Combined Joint Operations Center with B.Gen. Robert F. Castellvi

·         Traveled to Urbil, Iraq, to meet with Kurdish President Barzani

"Again, the Big Red One, the Marines, and airmen I visited, to a person, had high spirits, and I was once again impressed by their professionalism, patriotism and courage."

"It was an informative and inspiring trip, and I was glad to see firsthand, the challenges ISIL poses to our troops and allies in the region. We have much to debate as the threat from ISIL grows, and I will continue to monitor the developing situation."

Senator Roberts is the senior Marine in the congress, is a former member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and is a former Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee.

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