Pelosi, Congressional Delegation Receive Briefing from U.S. Army Africa in Vicenza

Contact: Nadeam Elshami/Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

Vicenza, Italy – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, who is leading a bipartisan delegation to Afghanistan and Italy, received a briefing today with Members of Congress from the U.S. Army Africa based at the U.S. Army Garrison, Vicenza.

The briefing was conducted by Colonel Marcus De Oliveira, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army Africa. This U.S. command overseas U.S. operations in 53 countries. The Members also received an update on aspects of the Libyan operations.

The Members met with Col. Erik Daiga, U.S. Army Garrison Vicenza Commander; and soldiers stationed at this base, including Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, and had an opportunity to thank soldiers from their home states -- California, Florida, Connecticut, Iowa and New Jersey -- for their continued service.

“Our nation’s men and women in uniform hail from every state, defend every family, and serve every American. They sacrifice abroad to keep us safe at home, and it is a privilege to get a chance to honor their bravery and courage in person, and to express our gratitude to America’s heroes,” Leader Pelosi said.

In addition to Democratic Leader Pelosi, the members of the delegation are:

• Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT)
• Congressman John Mica (R-FL)
• Congressman Leonard Boswell (D-IA)
• Congressman Bill Pascrell (D-NJ)