Congressman Platts & State Rep. Miller Visit Troops in Kosovo, Bosnia; Meet with NATO in Germany

Peacekeeping mission is focus of 4-day trip

Washington, D.C. - Gaining a first-hand perspective on peacekeeping missions and supporting the efforts of the members of Battery F, 109th Field Artillery of the PA National Guard who are serving in Kosovo are the main missions of an overseas trip Congressman Todd Platts (PA-19) and State Representative Ron Miller are making to Germany, Kosovo, and Bosnia from Friday, March 22, 2002 through Monday, March 25, 2002.

Congressman Platts, a member of House of Representatives Subcommittee on National Security, Veteran's Affairs and International Relations and Rep. Miller, a member of the State House Veteran's Affairs Committee, have closely followed the activities of the guardsmen of Battery F. In July 2001, both men met with the troops at Fort Indiantown Gap to observe preparations for their Kosovo mission. Both men were also part of a community send-off in October for the troops immediately prior to their deployment.

"It is an honor for me to be able to show my personal support to the 42 members of Battery F of the PA National Guard who are serving a seven-month peacekeeping mission in Kosovo," says Platts. "When I spoke to the local guardsmen of Battery F before they were deployed in October, I pledged to see them in the field to better understand their mission."

Congressman Platts and Rep. Miller will travel with a liaison of the United States Army. Their itinerary includes the following scheduled stops:

Friday, March 22 - Congressman Platts and Rep. Miller will arrive in Germany to meet with NATO officials for a discussion about NATO's peacekeeping mission and for diplomatic briefings. Congressman Platts and Rep. Miller will also visit military personnel at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center who were wounded in support of OPERATION ANACONDA.

Saturday, March 23 - Congressman Platts and Rep. Miller will visit local military personnel from Battery F, 109th Field Artillery of the PA National Guard. The guardsmen are operating a sophisticated radar system to identify sources of weapons that threaten NATO peacekeepers. The NATO units enforce the U.N-sponsored peace agreement in Kosovo, facilitate humanitarian relief, and promote the safe and secure environment needed to ensure long-term peace. Congressman Platts and Rep. Miller will also meet with Brigadier General Keith M. Huber, Task Force Falcon Commander.

Sunday, March 24 - Congressman Platts and Rep. Miller will travel to Bosnia to meet with Clifford G. Bond, United States Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina. They will also meet with U.S. military personnel currently stationed in Bosnia.

Monday, March 25 - Congressman Platts and Rep. Miller return to United States.

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