For Immediate Release:
Wednesday, March 9, 2005

WASHINGTON D.C - U.S. Representative Dan Boren returned yesterday from a whirlwind tour of Iraq where he met with Oklahoma soldiers and military leaders to gain a firsthand look at the U.S. led ground effort.  Boren traveled to Iraq as part of a Congressional delegation led by Congressman Tom Cole.  

 

While in Iraq, Boren met with Oklahoma troops from Idabel, Vinita and other communities in the Second District.  The message Boren got from our troops - “They are optimistic about Iraq’s future and are committed to making sure Iraq’s burgeoning democracy takes hold,” Boren said. 

 

“There is a real sense of optimism about the situation in Iraq, not only among the Iraqis, but also among our troops,” Boren said.  Citing high morale, Boren said, “The elections brought about a new mindset regarding Iraq’s future.  Everyone is looking forward to the day when Iraq becomes stable and self-governed, so that more of our young men and women can some home.”

 

The Oklahoma Congressman also delivered to troops, more than 2,000 letters written by students from his Congressional district.  When students from local school districts were asked if they would like to send correspondence to troops, “The response was overwhelming,” Boren said.  “It was really heart warming to be able to hand deliver letters of support to our men and women in Iraq,” Boren said.   

 

Boren visited soldiers in Baghdad and Fallujah, and also paid a visit to a military hospital in Germany.  

 

While meeting with Iraqi citizens and troops, Boren said he was impressed with how vastly different cultures had joined together to bring freedom and democracy to Iraq.  In addition to meeting with Ambassador John Negroponte, Boren and the other members of the delegation met with the leaders of various political movements including the Shia, Kurds, and Sunnis.   

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