GOVERNOR LINGLE MEETS WITH HAWAI`I TROOPS SERVING IN IRAQ
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, February 11, 2004, 3:00 p.m. (HST)
HONOLULU — Governor Linda Lingle, who is in Iraq on a bipartisan mission with five fellow governors, spent Day Two of the trip meeting with Hawai`i residents and those with Hawai`i ties who are serving in Baghdad.
Governor Lingle said she couldn’t believe the enthusiasm and joy of the troops in seeing the governors, who spent several hours meeting with the 1st Armor Division and sharing meals with the soldiers. She also noted how impressed the other governors were in seeing how Hawai`i soldiers showed their appreciation with shaka signs and hugs. Governor Lingle explained to them about Hawai`i’s unique customs and the special nature of Hawai`i’s people.
“The soldiers were just excited that someone from home took the time to visit and showed interest in hearing about their experience in Iraq,” said Governor Lingle. “It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to visit with our troops. The brave morale of the soldiers is very heartwarming.”
One soldier from Maui told her, “Governor, I can’t believe you’re here. You spoke to my third grade class in Pukalani, and now you’re here. Wow!”
Today’s activities also included a briefing by Brigadier General Mark Hertling of the 1st Armor Division, who updated the governors on reconstruction efforts. Afterward, Governor Lingle commented: “The ingenuity of America in helping to rebuild this city is tremendous.”
While touring the Water Palace in Baghdad, Governor Lingle said she could “feel the degradation created by Saddam Hussein” – a reference to the stark contrast between the opulence of the palace and the conditions average Iraqi citizens were subjected to under Hussein’s regime.
Governor Lingle is participating in an unprecedented, bipartisan mission to Iraq at the request of U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld. Governor Lingle is joined by Governor George Pataki (R-New York), Governor Dirk Kempthorne (R-Idaho), Governor Ted Kulongoski (D-Oregon), Governor Tim Pawlenty (R-Minnesota) and Governor Kathleen Blanco (D-Louisiana).
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Media Information:
Photos, including many taken by Governor Lingle, will be posted on the Governor’s Web site (www.hawaii.gov/gov) as they become available.
Iraq is 13 hours ahead of Hawai`i.
Additional information about the governors’ activities in Baghdad will be released to the media as updates become available.
For more information, contact:
Lenny Klompus
Senior Advisor – Communications
Phone: (808) 586-7705
Cell: (808) 386-5186
Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
Phone: (808) 586-0043
Cell: (808) 382-7023
