U.S. Representative Mike McIntyre, a senior member of the Armed Services Committee, has just returned from Afghanistan, Africa, and Europe where he met with military commanders and several heads of state to discuss matters of national security and to express thanks to U.S. troops serving abroad.

“With so many of our troops being away from home during this holiday season, it is important to show them our appreciation for their sacrifice and service,” McIntyre stated after visiting troops from all branches of the nation’s armed forces in Afghanistan and Southwest Asia.

In Afghanistan, McIntyre met with General Dan McNeill to discuss progress being made to suppress the Taliban. McNeill, a former commander at Ft. Bragg and a native of Duplin County, is serving as the Commander of the International Security Assistance Forces for NATO in Afghanistan.

McIntyre also met with the Presidents of Mauritana, Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Burundi, as well as the Prime Minister of Ethiopia to discuss their role in the Global War on Terrorism and their cooperation with the new U.S. African Command.

In Europe, McIntyre met with the President of the Czech Republic and with government officials in Poland.

McIntyre, who is the second-highest ranking member of the Subcommittee on Terrorism, stated upon his return to Washington, “Terrorists can attack anywhere, any time. It is critically important that we strengthen our international relationships. This trip enhanced our efforts to promote peace and security on behalf of both America and our allies worldwide.”

McIntyre was part of a bi-partisan, six-member delegation representing the U.S. Congress overseas.