U.S. Rep. Frank Guinta returns from official trip to Afghanistan

Rep. Frank Guinta (R, NH-01) with U.S. Armed Forces personnel from New Hampshire at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan

(Washington – December 13, 2011)   U.S. Representative Frank Guinta returned Monday from an official trip to Afghanistan, where he met with U.S. Army and Marine Corps personnel from New Hampshire.  He visited Camp Eggers in Kabul and in Camp Leatherneck in the Helmand Region.

Guinta was part of a Congressional Delegation of House Budget Committee members that assessed conditions in Afghanistan and reviewed the progress being made there.  The Delegation also met with top-ranking U.S. and Afghan military and civilian leaders, including U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker. 

“I can report to Granite Staters that we can all be very proud of the men and women who are serving in Afghanistan,” Guinta said.  “They are clearly focused on fulfilling their mission and performing their duties with impressive professionalism to achieve all that is expected of them.”

Guinta said he will talk about his experiences on the trip in his upcoming “Frankly Speaking” column, which will appear in many New Hampshire newspapers and media outlets late next week. 

Huntsman Campaign Fires Back at Romney Adviser ’s Afghanistan Statement

Manchester- Jon Huntsman for President spokesman Tim Miller issued the following statement in response to Romney adviser Richard Williamson's attack on Afghanistan policy:

"Over the course of the summer Mitt Romney has flip-flopped from thinking we should bring the troops home ‘as soon as we possibly can’ to wanting to keep them there indefinitely. Even now, it's unclear exactly what his position on Afghanistan is. That inconsistency shouldn't be surprising since Governor Romney is learning about foreign policy as he goes.

“Governor Huntsman has consistently said we should bring our troops home from Afghanistan as soon as possible, transitioning from a nation-building to a counter-terror effort. Of all the Republican candidates, he is the only one with the experience to execute a foreign policy that reflects the challenges we face."

Romney Adviser's Afghanistan Statement:
RICHARD WILLIAMSON, ROMNEY FOREIGN POLICY ADVISER: “I was involved back in 1988 when we got the Soviets to withdraw and we paid a price for leaving Afghanistan in chaos. And while Governors Huntsman and Perry are to the left of President Obama on Afghanistan, Governor Romney wants to see the job done but at the same time recognizes ultimately Afghanistan's fate will be with the Afghanis.”

Background
In June 2011, Romney Claimed It Was “Time For Us To Bring Our Troops Home” From Afghanistan. “Mitt Romney’s hint in Monday night’s Republican debate that he’s eager to pull the plug on the war in Afghanistan left some of his GOP allies puzzled, Democrats sensing an opportunity, and his staff working to explain what he meant. ‘It’s time for us to bring our troops home as soon as we possibly can — as soon as our generals think it’s okay,’ Romney said. ‘One lesson we‘ve learned in Afghanistan is that Americans cannot fight another nation’s war of independence.’” (Ben Smith, “Mitt Romney's Afghanistan Remark Stuns GOP Pals,” Politico, 6/14/11)

Governor Jon Huntsman Statement on Loss of Troops in Afghanistan

ORLANDO - Governor Jon Huntsman has issued the following statement expressing remorse at the death of 31 United States soldiers in Afghanistan:

"Mary Kaye and I want to express our deepest sympathy to the families of the 31 special operation troops who lost their lives in Afghanistan. Our thoughts and prayers are with them. We are forever indebted to these troops who fought for their country so admirably. I am awed by their bravery and we all must strive to live up to their sacrifice."

US Rep. Frank Guinta calls for moment of silence on July 4th to honor fallen NH Army Spc. Nicholas Bernier

“Our hearts are filled with a combination of sorrow and pride over the ultimate sacrifice that Army Specialist Nicholas Bernier made for his country.  My deepest sympathy goes out to his family and friends.  His loss can never be replaced, but the legacy of his sacrifice can be honored.  I urge everyone in New Hampshire to pause for a moment this Fourth of July holiday in a tribute to Nick and all who have fallen in service to their country.”    

US Rep Bass Statement on Spc. Nicholas Bernier

CONCORD – Congressman Charles F. Bass (NH-02) issued the following statement today following news that Specialist Nicholas Bernier of East Kingston died after sustaining combat wounds in Afghanistan.

Bass said:

“I join the people of New Hampshire in mourning the loss of Spc. Nicholas Bernier, who gave his life in defense of freedom.  We all owe Nicholas a debt of gratitude that we can never fully repay, and we will always remember his selfless service and sacrifice to our nation.  The Bernier Family remains in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”

http://bass.house.gov