September 14, 2007

Dear Friends,

This week the Senate heard a progress report on Iraq from Army General David H. Petraeus and U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker. As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I listened to more than four hours of testimony of these two leaders by my colleagues.

General Petraeus and our armed forces deserve great credit for their success during the surge in Iraq. The general has defined a specific way forward with a reduction of troops that would end the surge by the middle of next year and believes he can accomplish the troop reductions without compromising the security gains made over the past nine months. I think General Petraeus has made the absolute best recommendations possible given the situation on the ground in Iraq.

There are signs of progress, but there also have been failures on the political side. Hopefully, the military’s success and the improved security will allow the Iraqi government to make progress on reconciliation and hydrocarbon legislation. Our military has accomplished a lot, but there remains work to be done. As General Petraeus said, troop withdrawals can continue with continued success on the ground.

Military Academy Day in Savannah
Senator Chambliss, Congressman Barrow and I will host a statewide Military Academy Day event in coordination with the Georgia delegation on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2007, at Benedictine Military School in Savannah, Ga. The event will be held in the school’s cafeteria from 10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. to familiarize students with the application and nomination process for applying to the nation’s five service academies.

Representatives from all five academies as well as cadets and midshipmen will also be in attendance to explain more about their requirements and expectations and will be available to answer questions. The event is open to students grades eight through 12. All attendees must make reservations in advance. All persons who are interested in attending must make a reservation by contacting Nancy Brooks, my Academy Director, at (770) 661-0999 or nancy_brooks@isakson.senate.gov, by the registration deadline, on Friday, Sept. 21, 2007, at 5 p.m.

I am honored to once again be able to offer this excellent opportunity to Georgia’s youth. I encourage all students to take this opportunity to learn about the Military Academy nomination process. Many of my former academy nominees have used our Academy Day to decide which service is the right choice for them.

What’s on Tap for Next Week?

The Senate will begin debate on the Department of Defense authorization bill.

Sincerely,
Johnny Isakson