Islamabad, January 27, 2006: A delegation of four U.S. State Governors, led by Gov. Rick Perry of Texas witnessed first-hand the earthquake relief efforts at Mehra Camp in the Allai Valley. Accompanied by Governors Mike Huckabee of Arkansas, Jim Doyle of Wisconsin, and Dave Freudenthal of Wyoming, Perry and the delegation spoke with Pakistani officials and elders at the camp. They reaffirmed that the American people would continue to lend assistance to Pakistan during this time of crisis. .
The Governors, who arrived in Islamabad on Thursday, came to Pakistan in order to get a better understanding of the devastation of the October 8 th earthquake and moreover the massive relief efforts of the United States. They hope to be able to use their experience here to assist in continued fundraising efforts back in the United States as well as to convey a sense of what is still required to assist the people of Pakistan.
"I am very impressed by the resiliency of those affected by the earthquake," said Gov. Huckabee. Their determination to recover from this tragedy is inspiring."
The Governors also visited American military troops at the U.S. Navy Field Hospital in Shinkiari. They toured the operational facilities, speaking with the doctors and medical staff who have treated over 11,000 earthquake survivors since they arrived in November. Afterwards, the delegation joined servicemen and servicewomen from their home states for lunch.
"This was a great opportunity to see the outstanding efforts of our U.S. Military forces, and the efforts of USAID," said Gov. Freudenthal. We are very proud of their service to the people of Pakistan."
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