New York Gov. David Paterson has landed in Iraq as part of a congressional trip to visit troops during the holiday season.
Paterson flew to Iraq with Reps. Steve Israel of Long Island and Anthony Weiner of Queens, both Democrats. Also on board were Reps. Tom Cole, R-Okla., and Ed Whitfield, R-Ky.
In a statement, Paterson called it an honor to travel to the war zone and thank those who are away from their families during the holidays.
As of last month, there were more than 10,000 New Yorkers serving in either active duty military, national guard or reserves in Iraq and Kuwait.
Israel said it is an important duty of lawmakers to ensure members of the military have the support and resources they need.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
