Roby calls annual trip abroad visiting U.S. service members ‘a great privilege’

U.S. Rep. Martha Roby (R-AL) earlier this week marked her eighth consecutive year making a May trip abroad as a member of a bipartisan female congressional delegation to Afghanistan and Jordan to visit deployed U.S. service members.

“This annual visit is deeply important to me,” Rep. Roby said on Tuesday. “It always serves as a reminder of our service members’ sacrifices; they spend months at a time away from their families, often in harm’s way, defending our freedoms.”

Rep. Roby joined the trip as part of a delegation led by U.S. Rep. Susan Davis (D-CA) that also met with top U.S. military commanders, as well as with leaders from Afghanistan and Jordan.

“It is a great privilege to travel to Afghanistan each year around Mother’s Day to spend time with our brave military personnel,” said Rep. Roby. “I am grateful to have this opportunity to spend time with some of our heroes in Afghanistan and Jordan and thank them for the difficult work they do to keep our nation secure.”

Rep. Roby noted that the trip also provides her an opportunity to continue her congressional efforts to improve the lives of Afghan women, who the congresswoman said are currently obtaining basic human rights and playing more of a role in the Afghan National Defense Security Forces.

“I will remain engaged in these issues to ensure continued forward momentum,” said Rep. Roby this week. “The success of Afghan women is indicative of the entire country’s success and I am optimistic about the process toward reaching peace.”

Rep. Roby also said she was grateful for the U.S.-Jordan relationship and for the stability that Jordan has brought to the region.