Capito Returns from Official Visit to Afghanistan: First House Delegation to Meet General Petreaus in his New Role as Commander of the International Security Force in Afghanistan

Press Release

Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito (R-W. Va) joined four colleagues on the first official House of Representatives delegation to Afghanistan since the appointment of General Petreaus as Commander of the International Security Force in Afghanistan.

The delegation left Andrews Air Force base at approximately 10 a.m. on Monday, July 5, 2010 and landed in Afghanistan on Wednesday, July 7, 2010 after making a short stop at Landstuhl hospital in Germany to visit with Wounded Warriors. The delegation visited Kabul and Kandahar before departing the war zone late Thursday.

Capito attended Command briefings by top military officials and met with U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Karl Eikenberry, General David Petreaus and Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai.

"Our meetings have allowed the opportunity to learn firsthand the commitment we have made in Afghanistan. I believe we are in the able hands of Gen David Petreaus and with our coalition partners we are moving forward on an aggressive plan. Our hopes are that we will have the success that we all are hoping for," stated Capito.

Capito stated that the most rewarding part of her visit was meeting with the troops. Capito ate lunch with troops from West Virginia in Kabul. Additionally, the pilot charged with flying the delegation to Kandahar was from Charleston, West Virginia--a pleasant surprise!

"Our military is awe-inspiring. In tough conditions our men and women fight hard for our country's interest and are strong and dedicated individuals. Our pilot was Capt. David Crigger of Charleston Catholic High School and West Point. He exemplifies a strong Mountaineer spirit like all West Virginians serving overseas and brings us and his family in Charleston great pride," Capito concluded.

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