Peters Joins Congressional Delegation to Visit Troops and Engage with Military and Diplomatic Leaders in Middle East

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, joined a bipartisan congressional delegation led by U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) to Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Iraq to thank U.S. servicemembers for their service and sacrifice ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. The congressional delegation also met with senior military and diplomatic leaders in the region to receive updates on continued anti-terrorism efforts, including the fight against ISIS and the Taliban.

“Michigan servicemembers and their families sacrifice so much in defense of our nation and our way of life - missing milestones in their childrens’ lives and spending their holidays thousands of miles away from home,” said Senator Peters, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. “I couldn’t be more honored to personally thank our men and women stationed in Afghanistan and Iraq for their service. America's military is the strongest in the world because of their valor and dedication.”

“In this season of thanksgiving, it was an honor to visit with our Iowa soldiers who are away from their loved ones at the holidays, and to thank them for the sacrifices they make – and those of their families – to protect all that we hold dear,” said Senator Ernst. “Additionally, hearing more about their efforts to support, protect, and defend the United States and our international partners from those on the ground was invaluable, particularly as we work to enact the National Defense Authorization Act, which is critical to ensure our troops have the resources and equipment they need to combat the evolving global threats confronting America.”

Peters, who serves on the Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee, attended classified briefings in Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Iraq and heard directly from Special Operators and their chain of command about battlefield realities. Peters also joined in diplomatic discussions regarding U.S. missions and strategies as part of Operations Inherent Resolve in Iraq and Resolute Support in Afghanistan. During his visit, Peters met with Michigan servicemembers currently deployed in Afghanistan, Iraq and throughout the region.