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Chairman of Armed Services Committee, other senators visit Camp Commando

USMC News

Story Identification Number: 200322774920
Story by Sgt Joseph R. Chenelly

CAMP COMMANDO, Kuwait (02/21/2003) -- Four Senators responsible for overseeing America's military dropped in on Marines at Camp Commando Feb. 21.

The visiting Senators included Marine veteran John Warner, the chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services.

Each senator received a situational brief from Lieutenant General James Conway, the commanding general of I Marine Expeditionary Force, before meeting with leathernecks from the states they represent in Congress.

Senator Warner met with Virginians. Senator Carl Levin, the ranking member of the Armed Services Committee, spoke with those from Michigan. Senator Pat Roberts talked with natives of Kansas. West Virginia Marines sat down with Senator Jay Rockefeller.

Senator Robert also is a member of the Armed Services Committee. Senator Rockefeller is not, but he is a member of several senatorial groups related to the military including the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

The key issues discussed in the meetings were Operation Enduring Freedom and other potential conflicts the United States is facing.

"Homeland defense starts here. The country needs you to get the bad guys before they can strike," Senator Warner adamantly told I MEF Marines. "You are all part of a big, wonderful organization taking care of a big, terrible situation. The fight against terrorism, disarming Iraq and the problems with North Korea have created the most complicated situation for our President that I've seen in my 76 years," he continued.

According to Senator Warner, he joined the Navy during World War II after his father refused to sign an age waiver for the Marine Corps. At the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950, the Senator embarked upon a second tour of active military duty, this time as a Marine. He served in Korea as a ground officer with the 1st Marine Air Wing. After the war, he remained in the Corps as a reservist and reached the rank of captain.

"I would not stand here as a U.S. Senator if it wasn't for the Marine Corps and the G.I. Bill," Senator Warner said. "I wish I could strip off about 40 years and put on the uniform again."