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American GI Forum Reports High Morale among Troops in Iraq
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Published on June 5, 2006

The American GI Forum of the United States and national representatives from several veteran service organizations traveled to Iraq as a part of an invitation by the Office of the Secretary of Defense during the period February 18-22, 2006.

Hosted by The Bastogne Brigade Combat Team, Luis A. Vazquez-Contes, Executive Board Member, American GI Forum of the United States and national commanders from the American Legion, AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars met with soldiers serving in Baghdad.

In his initial report to the American GI Forum, District of Colombia State Chapter members during a chapter meeting this week, Vazquez-Contes, a retired Air Force Veteran and now a US Postal employee said that morale is extremely high among the soldiers there.Vazquez-Contes reported that Hispanic soldiers and all soldiers serving in Baghdad are united and working diligently in support of the spread of democracy in the region.

Vazquez-Contes said that many soldiers scheduled to rotate back to the US preferred to continue their service in the region with their comrades.Additionally, soldiers report satisfaction with living quarters, food, access to the internet and telephones.

This visit provided the opportunity for the Forum to introduce the organization, its history and purpose to the soldiers and the visiting veteran organizations there.One hundred GI Forum membership applications were distributed and over 25 new memberships were immediately generated among general officers and enlisted soldiers there.The remaining applications will be mailed to Vazquez-Contes.The American GI Forum welcomes its new members!

During this special membership drive in Iraq, any newly joined veteran?s first annual membership dues are waived.Because of this outreach, the Forum received invitations to attend various other veteran service organizations national conventions.

In appreciation to the soldiers, serving in Iraq the Post Master General of the U.S. Postal Service,Pueblo, Colorado donated over $3,700 in calling cards, which were distributed by Vazquez-Contes to the troops during the visit.