U.S. Sens. Joni Ernst (R-IA), Deb Fischer (R-NE) and John Barrasso (R-WY) traveled to Qatar and Afghanistan over the Thanksgiving holiday to give thanks to U.S. service members stationed there.
In addition to meeting with service members in Qatar, the senators visited Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan, toured worksites and visited with troops from their home states.
Ernst, a former Iowa National Guard company commander and a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, called it a tremendous honor to spend Thanksgiving with Iowans who are sacrificing so much in defense of America’s freedoms.
“I had the opportunity to speak with Iowans in the 211th Aviation Battalion and visit with some familiar faces in the 185th Combat Support Sustainment Battalion, as well as travel to work sites to see their efforts on the front lines,” Ernst said. “I am thankful to have shared this precious time with our outstanding Iowa service members and I thank them, as well as their families, for their faithful service to our grateful nation.”
Fischer said she was humbled to spend the holiday with service members from Nebraska stationed in the Middle East.
“These brave service members are far away from their homes and loved ones this holiday season,” Fischer said. “I cherished the time I spent with each and every one of them. I know I join all Nebraskans when I say how thankful we are for the sacrifices they and their families make to keep us safe.”
Barrasso, who visited members of the Wyoming National Guard stationed in Qatar and Afghanistan, said the men and women of Wyoming have a proud record of military service.
“It was an honor to bring a little bit of Wyoming to them this Thanksgiving. We enjoyed talking about their families back home and how excited we are to cheer on the Cowboy football team as they wrap up their winning season this fall. Everyone can be proud of the outstanding job our Wyoming troops are doing to keep our country safe.”