Sen. Mark Begich released the following statement after Obama’s Iraq announcement:
“I am very pleased our remaining U.S. forces are coming home, and I commend the members of the United States military who served in Iraq during the course of a nine-year effort. Thousands of Alaska troops served with distinction to promote security and democracy in the country.
“In early October, soldiers based out of Fort Wainwright became the first aviation unit to close a base and hand over the keys to the Iraqis. Iraq is now a sovereign nation.
“As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I look forward to receiving more information about the increased State Department role and other efforts of cooperation with Iraq to promote continued stability and security in the country and region.”