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Speaker of the House visits Sather

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Amanda Callahan
  • 447th Air Expedtionary Group Public Affairs
SATHER AIR BASE, Iraq --  Speaker of the House, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, House Majority Leader, Rep. Steny Hoyer and Reps. Adam Putnam, Howard Berman, Jan Harman, Gary Ackerman, Alcee Hastings and John Larson visited Sather Air Base to visit with deployed members here May 17.

Airmen and Soldiers from around the country, from California to Connecticut, gathered to meet the visiting representatives.

"We have a variety of opinions on the policy of war in our group," said Ms. Pelosi. "But, we're all in total agreement about the respect, regard and appreciation we have for each and every one of you."

The speaker went on to tell members of Team Sather of newly reformed veteran's benefits, particularly the 21st Century GI Bill.

"I was impressed with the GI Bill and no troop left behind education package," said Senior Master Sgt. Debra Kelly, 447th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron, deployed from Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. "It was an honor to meet her. She also said she would call my mother in San Antonio; I was impressed with that."

After a brief introduction from each of the member of the House, the group mingled with members of Sather AB.

"It was great to see the representatives take time out of their busy schedules to show support for the Airmen and Soldiers of Sather Air Base," said Col. Fred Cheney, 447th Air Expeditionary Group commander. "We took the opportunity to showcase our integrated team and gave a great "Tuskegee Airmen" reception to our distinguished visitors."

The group of representatives started their Baghdad trip with meetings in the International Zone with Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki and Ambassador Ryan Crocker, among others.