The Commander of U.S. Forces in Afghanistan is praising Iowans serving in the region and the soldier’s families. General David Petraeus met briefly Sunday with Iowa Congressman Bruce Braley, who was part of a Congressional delegation trip to Afghanistan.
“I just want to give a ‘shout out’ to all the members of the Iowa National Guard and General Orr and his team to thank them for all of the work more than 3,500 here are doing,” General Petraeus said. Braley videotaped the remarks, which include a message of thanks to the soldier’s families and friends.
“Nothing means more to those here on the ground than knowing those back home do appreciate what our men and women on the ground are doing. We appreciate the sacrifices of their families as well,” Petraeus said. Iowa National Guard Adjutant General Tim Orr said last month that more than 65% of the Iowa soldiers and airmen currently on active duty are “combat veterans” – having spent time on previous deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan or elsewhere.