It was an honor to be part of a bipartisan delegation of female members of Congress on a trip to Afghanistan and Pakistan this past week. The trip allowed for me to see firsthand how things have evolved since my first visit to the country in 2012.
While in Afghanistan, we hosted female service members to a Mother’s Day luncheon, where they discussed the challenges they face while deployed overseas. We were able to pass out Mother’s Day cards to the moms as well, made by elementary students from here in the States. My trip allowed for me to see how strong of a voice many of the Afghan women now have, and I walked away feeling very encouraged by all the development that has taken place since U.S. entry in 2001.
You can read an interview about my trip to Afghanistan in Friday’s edition of The Fayetteville Observer. I also spoke to Bill LuMaye this week about what I learned during my visit. Click here to listen to that interview. Below is additional information about my visit and several photos taken during the trip.
I am so thankful for the opportunity to serve the constituents of the second district, including so many of America’s heroes – past and present. Please visit my website to learn more about the work I am doing on issues related to the military and veterans.
If you have any questions or concerns, or if you need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact my offices in Washington, Dunn and Asheboro.
Mother’s Day in Afghanistan
I released the following statement following my visit to Afghanistan and Pakistan as part of a bipartisan delegation of female Members of Congress this week:
“Over the last week, I was honored to visit with the men and women of our armed forces serving in Afghanistan. What made this journey so heartwarming was the chance to spend Mother’s Day with our troops and share some quality time with so many women who are making painful sacrifices in order to protect the freedom of others.”
“I would like to thank Congresswoman Martha Roby, the staff of the House Armed Services Committee, and all the members of our military for putting this CODEL together and the invaluable insights we gained during our time on the ground in Afghanistan and Pakistan. We must continue to remain focused on our mission there and work to provide a responsible draw down so that our sacrifices on behalf of our freedom and national security have not been in vain.”
This past weekend, members of a bipartisan Mother’s Day congressional delegation visited with soldiers of the International Security Assistance Force Northern Regional Command at Camp Marmel in Masar-e-Sharif, Afghanistan. Congresswoman Ellmers was invited to participate in this bipartisan CODEL on behalf of her colleague Congresswoman Martha Roby of Alabama, who has led the trip for the past three consecutive years. The congressional delegation included Congresswomen Martha Roby (R-AL), Niki Tsongas (D-MA), Susan Davis (D-CA), and Cheri Bustos (D-IL).
The Congresswomen hosted female service members for a Mother’s Day luncheon, where they discussed the challenges facing mothers deployed in service to their country. They also delivered Mother’s Day cards to soldiers stationed at the post. The cards were handmade by elementary students from the Congresswomen’s districts.
Congresswoman Ellmers also visited with Fort Bragg Lieutenant General Joseph Anderson. General Anderson serves as Commander of the International Security Assistance Force Joint Command (IJC) and as Deputy Commanding General for U.S. Forces in Afghanistan. He is the Commanding General of the XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg.
Snapshots from Afghanistan and Pakistan
Above: The congresswomen hosted female service members for a Mother’s Day luncheon, where they discussed the challenges facing mothers who are deployed.
Above: Congresswomen Niki Tsongas (D-MA), Renee Ellmers (R-NC) and Martha Roby (R-AL) outside the International Security Assistance Force in Kabul, Afghanistan.
Above: Members of the Bi-Partisan Women’s Mother’s Day CODEL pictured in front of an F-16C Falcon with the Montgomery, Alabama National Guard’s 187th Fighter Wing. The 187th is famous for its “Red Tails” heritage and reputation as a well-trained and organized unit. Congresswomen pictured from left to right are Reps. Susan Davis (D-CA), Martha Roby (R-AL), Cheri Bustos (D-IL), Renee Ellmers (R-NC) and Niki Tsnogas (D-MA).
Above: With Fort Bragg Lieutenant General Joseph Anderson. General Anderson serves as Commander of the International Security Assistance Force Joint Command (IJC) and as Deputy Commanding General for U.S. Forces in Afghanistan. He is the Commanding General of the XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg.
Above: Members of a bi-partisan Mother’s Day Congressional Delegation visit with soldiers of the International Security Assistance Force Northern Regional Command at Camp Marmel in Masar-E-Sharif, Afghanistan. Congresswomen pictured are, from left to right, Renee Ellmers (R-NC), Martha Roby (R-AL), Cheri Bustos (D-IL), Niki Tsongas (D-MA), and Susan Davis (D-CA).
Above: Members of the Bi-Partisan Women’s Mother’s Day CODEL (top) visit with Afghan female students at the Women’s Resource Center at Marmal Airfield near Mazar E Sharif, Afghanistan.
Above: Congresswomen pictured with Pakistani Women Parliamentarians.
Additional photos from the trip can be viewed by on my website and on Flickr.
In the News
Rep. Renee Ellmers pleased by hopeful signs in Afghanistan
Fayetteville Observer
Rep. Renee Ellmers traveled to Afghanistan hoping to learn more about the war many of her constituents have sacrificed for. She learned, but she said she also brought back increased hope for that country’s future. Ellmers, a Republican congresswoman whose 2nd District includes Fort Bragg, said she has always had great faith in the nation’s military. But now, after a three-day stay in Afghanistan, she has a much more positive view of how far that country has progressed since U.S. troops invaded in 2001.
Rep. Renee Ellmers on her Visit to Afghanistan
The Bill LuMaye Show – WPTF AM
Congresswoman Renee Ellmers joins Bill to discuss her trip this past week to Afghanistan and Pakistan as part of a bipartisan CODEL.
Ellmers Goes to Afghanistan
Raleigh News & Observer
U.S. Rep. Renee Ellmers was expected home Wednesday night after a Congressional delegation trip she joined to visit with Afghanistan and Pakistan. Ellmers visited with female troops for Mothers’ Day at the International Security Assistance Force Northern Regional Command at Camp Marmal in Masar-e-Sharif, Afghanistan. She brought cards from children in the Second District. The Republican congresswoman from Dunn joined an all-woman, bipartisan group of lawmakers led by Rep. Martha Roby, R-Ala.
House Women Return From Mother’s Day Afghanistan Trip
Roll Call
A bipartisan, all-female congressional delegation spent last weekend celebrating Mother’s Day with the troops in Afghanistan, and the lawmakers have been posting pictures on Facebook and Flickr over the past couple of days.The trip was led by GOP Rep. Martha Roby; this was the fourth consecutive year the Montgomery, Ala., native and mother of two has celebrated the holiday in Afghanistan.Also taking part were Reps. Renee Ellmers, R-N.C.; Cheri Bustos, D-Ill.; Niki Tsongas, D-Mass.; and Susan A. Davis, D-Calif.
Female lawmakers finish Afghan visit
The Hill
A bipartisan female delegation from the House has concluded a trip to Afghanistan where they assessed security conditions on the ground and visited female soldiers. The group met with American troops, coalition commanders and Afghan leaders, Rep. Niki Tsongas (D-Mass.) said in a statement. In addition to Tsongas, the trip included Reps. Martha Roby (R-Ala.), Renee Ellmers (R-N.C.), Susan Davis (D-Calif.) and Cheri Bustos (D-Ill.).