James M. Jeffords: “all of Vermont is breathing a sigh of relief with the return from Iraq of 350 members of the Vermont National Guard…”

“all of Vermont is breathing a sigh of relief with the return from Iraq of 350 members of the Vermont National Guard, many of whom have spent most of the past year in Al Ramadi, one of the hot spots of the war. We are terribly proud of the outstanding job they have done, working in a dangerous area, attempting to root out insurgents, bring stability to the region, and provide a climate that will permit reconstruction and development. These brave men and women have set their private lives on hold for a year and a half, risking injury or death, in order to give Iraqi citizens a chance at a better life. I thank them and all Vermonters who have served and continue to serve in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait. Vermont has lost 23 sons in the Iraq war, one of the highest per capita casualty rates of any State. As Task Force Saber returns, we hold particularly close the families of those members who are not returning: MSG Chris Chapin of Proctor, 1LT Mark Dooley of Wilmington, SPC Scott McLaughlin of Hardwick; 2LT Mark Procopio of Burlington; SGT Joshua Allen Johnson of Richford and SPC Christopher Merchant of Hardwick. My thoughts and prayers are with them. Vermont soldiers have performed admirably the job that was asked of them. Now it is incumbent upon us to determine what our role in Iraq should be and how that role should be carried out in the coming year. I opposed this war from the very beginning.…”