WASHINGTON DC — While many families gathered together over the kitchen table to share a meal for Thanksgiving, U.S. Rep. Phil Roe, M.D., and other Congressional leaders spent their holiday overseas visiting American troops who could not be at home with their families.
Roe (R-TN) spent the Thanksgiving holiday visiting soldiers in Afghanistan as part of a bipartisan delegation that also included Reps. Beto O’Rourke (D-TX), Mark Takano (D-CA), Mike Coffman (R-CO), Ann McLane Kuster (D-NH) and Dr. Ralph Abraham (R-LA).
“It was an honor to spend Thanksgiving with our troops in Afghanistan, and to hear about the progress we’re making in the country,” Roe said following his visit with the troops. “I am extremely grateful to our soldiers for their service and for welcoming us with so much pride and hospitality.”
“These brave men and women put themselves in harm’s way every day, and I couldn’t be prouder of their caliber,” Roe added.
During his visit, Roe was able to meet and speak with some soldiers from Tennessee.
During their trip abroad, Roe and his fellow Congressional representatives were briefed on the status of the U.S. mission in the country and met with Afghanistan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani.
“I also appreciate President Ghani taking the time to meet with us and for hosting us at the presidential palace.”
Prior to the trip overseas, details of the Congressional delegation’s planned trip were kept under wraps for security reasons, but Roe briefly mentioned his intention to visit with troops during a Veterans Day ceremony held at Hampton High School on Nov. 11.
Roe, an Army veteran himself, has always been very vocal in his support for America’s troops and veterans. In addition to the other committees he serves on, Roe is a member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.