This week, the U.S. withdrew our troops from Iraq, effectively ending the war there and fulfilling the promise made by President Obama to do so. Also, this past Sunday marked the 75th anniversary of Social Security.
Out of Iraq
Social Security
Justin Morrison
District Office Staff
Out of Iraq
This week the U.S. withdrew our troops from Iraq, effectively ending the war there and fulfilling the promise made by President Obama to do so. As a member of the House Out of Iraq Caucus since I took office in 2007, it is gratifying to finally see this milestone reached, even though thousands of troops and civilian personnel will continue to have a presence in Iraq for the next year to help train Iraqi forces and offer advice and assistance to Iraq's security personnel. However ill-conceived the mission has been, our soldiers are due our gratitude for their fine service, putting their lives on the line on a daily basis and, for so many, making the ultimate sacrifice. I will continue to support efforts to bring our soldiers home from Afghanistan as well.
Social Security
Sunday marked the 75th Anniversary of Social Security, a progressive program that has provided a safety net for so many Americans who have no other retirement income security. Speaking on the 75th anniversary of the program's creation, President Obama said, "We have an obligation to keep that promise, to safeguard Social Security for our seniors, people with disabilities and all Americans -- today, tomorrow and forever" and he vowed to fight privatization of Social Security. I agree with and support the President. We must preserve and secure Social Security to ensure that Americans who work their entire lives are able to have a measure of financial security upon retirement.
Justin Morrison
Memphian Justin Morrison, who worked as an intern at both my Memphis and D.C. offices, has been accepted for an internship at the Congressional Black Caucus. A senior at Howard University, Justin was selected based on an essay he wrote explaining what he would do if he was President. Justin's essay appears in this month's Ebony magazine. Justin's hard work and success reflect well upon the 9th District and I hope everyone will join me in extending heartfelt congratulations to Justin Morrison.
District Office Staff
I'd like to take this opportunity to welcome back Randy Wade as District Director. Randy returns from a leave of absence to continue to provide an outstanding level of constituent services.
Also, welcome to Beanie Self, who has been working part-time in the District Office and is now stepping into the position of Constituent Services Representative/Grants Specialist, the position formerly held by Elise Addington who has departed for graduate school. We wish Elise the best as she pursues her education and welcome Beanie who has already been doing outstanding work for the citizens of the 9th District.