Governor Jim Douglas was in Iraq today with a delegation of governors to meet with troops and receive a first-hand update about the situation in Iraq. The Governor departed from Andrews Air Force Base yesterday after meeting with Deputy Secretary of Defense William Lynn and visiting Walter Read Army Medical Center during the day. He arrived at Baghdad International Airport this morning and had an opportunity to meet with soldiers, including Vermonters, at Camp Victory and Al Faw Palace. During the day he also received a briefing from Lt. General Kenneth Hunzeker, the Deputy Commander of U.S. Forces in Iraq and the NATO Training Mission in Iraq and had a hands-on MRAP vehicle demonstration. ‘The Vermonters who have served and who are currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan are an inspiration to us all,’ said Governor Douglas. ‘The sacrifices our troops and their families back at home have made to bring peace and security to this region of the world are tremendous. It is a privilege to be able to see firsthand the work they have done in Iraq.’ Travelling with Governor Douglas are Governor Deval Patrick (D-MA), Governor Tim Pawlenty (R-MN), Governor Jay Nixon (D-MO) and Governor Mike Rounds (R-SD). This is the Governor’s second visit to Iraq. He first visited in March of 2006.Source: Governor’s office. 7.21.2010