Elise Stefanik: “Just this past Monday the Iraqi Government declared that it was beginning a major military operation to retake western…”

“Just this past Monday the Iraqi Government declared that it was beginning a major military operation to retake western Anbar province from ISIS. This area of operation, including major cities of Ramadi and Fallujah, is the same region which ISIS seized this past May. Following this announcement, American-led coalition airstrikes permeated Anbar province. I fervently support U.S. and coalition military targeted airstrikes which continue to attack the Islamic State within Syria and Iraq. Along with airstrikes, U.S. troops serve as a part of an advise and assist role in Iraq and continue to do so in Afghanistan. Since September 11, 2001, the Army's 10th Mountain Division has been the most actively deployed division to Iraq and Afghanistan, and I am honored to represent the 10th Mountain Division, a light infantry division comprised of competent, resilient, and skilled warriors. In New York's north country, we understand what fighting for our Nation's liberties and freedoms truly means; and come this winter, during the holidays, when we are at home with our loved ones, these brave soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division will be serving our Nation in highly kinetic combat zones. When I speak against ISIS, their barbaric tactics, and the instability they create around the world, I am speaking for my constituents, the brave servicemen and -women who are overseas right now, fighting to protect our national security.…”