Today, U.S. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (TX-26) greeted Texas members of Vets for Freedom a nonpartisan organization established by combat veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The group’s mission is to educate the American public about the importance of achieving success in these conflicts by applying our first-hand knowledge to issues of American strategy and tactics—namely “the surge” in Iraq.

“These Veterans came to Washington to let Congress know that they have a vested interest in the outcome in Iraq,” said Congressman Michael Burgess. “Although they are not as flamboyant as the anti-war groups, they bring with them the story of their hard work and dedication and the argument that their legacy remains in the balance of the decisions that come before this body.”

Congressman Michael Burgess hosted the veterans in his Washington, DC office and was proud to introduce his new veterans legislative assistant, former Marine Corps Sergeant Matt Johnson who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Congressman Michael Burgess commented that, “Today’s meeting with Vets for Freedom shows that individual soldiers serve their country beyond the battlefield. They serve us as educators, businessmen, entrepreneurs and clearly, as advocates for what they believe will make America safe and stronger in the future.”

Vets for Freedom were on Capitol Hill talking with members of both the House and Senate concerning the situation in Iraq and Afghanistan. Just last week, Congressman Burgess sat in during the joint Armed Services and Foreign Affairs Committee hearing where General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker reported the successes and struggles in Iraq since the surge began in January. The report recommendations included withdraw of nearly 30,000 troops beginning at the end of September through mid-summer 2008.

“I have come to Washington, DC for one purpose only, to express my great concern for the course we take at thus juncture in our history,” said J. Neill Wilkerson who served in America’s military for over 36 years and is a member of Vets for Freedom. “War has been declared again us, against western civilization. Ignoring that fact, and ignoring the recommendation that we not abandon this crucial conflict, would result in terrible consequences both here and abroad.”

“It is in America’s best interest, and for that of the free world, that we be successful in Iraq,” said Congressman Michael Burgess. “I’m grateful that Vets for Freedom is in Washington today explaining this important fact to Members of Congress.”

The members of Vets for Freedom visiting with Congressman Michael Burgess and his staff were Robert Bookout, Matthew Hale, Jeff Crenshaw, Van Taylor, James Crabtree, Robert White, Edward Han, Brain Yarger, Zeke Drawhorn, Mark Harvey, John Fraser, Knox Nunally, Neil Wilkerson, and Tom Ward.

For more information on Vets for Freedom, visit their website at: http://www.vetsforfreedom.org/.