Kirkuk servicemembers host vice president-elect

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KIRKUK AIR BASE, Iraq (AFNS) --  Vice president-elect Joe Biden visited Airmen and Soldiers stationed here and met local Iraqi officials Jan. 13.

Vice president-elect Biden of Delaware was accompanied by South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

The senators met and thanked Airmen and Soldiers from the air base for their service and sacrifice.

"He told me, 'Good job. Keep doing what you do,'" said Tech. Sgt. Rashida Moore, the 506th Air Expeditionary Group commander's support staff NCO in charge. The 506th AEG maintains base security, conducts safe flying operations, and actively supports base agencies.

"It was a wonderful experience to meet one of our soon-to-be senior leaders," said Sergeant Moore, who is deployed here from Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. "I'm very excited about the changes soon to come."

Senior Airmen Jonathan McAtee and Willie Goree also appreciated the experience.

"It was an honor to meet the (forthcoming) second-in-command," said Airman McAtee of the 506th Expeditionary Medical Squadron deployed from Eglin AFB, Fla. Vice president-elect Biden took time "out of a very busy schedule. He thanked me for my service to the country."

"Meeting Mr. Biden made me realize that we are really appreciated for being out here, not just by our family and friends back home, but by our nation's leadership," said Airman Goree, a 506th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron deployed from Barksdale AFB, La. "I think as a leader, this was a great way for him to boost troops' overall morale, and also raise the respect of the people under him."

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