McIntyre to visit Iraq

WILMINGTON -- Five years ago today President Bush announced his decision to invade Iraq.

Congressman Mike McIntyre is leaving for Iraq Monday. He said, "After five years it's time for Iraq to stand up to the plate to meet those accountability services that those in the armed services want them to meet."

McIntyre says until the Iraqi government can fully function without the help from the US, troops will have to stay overseas.

He wouldn't predict when that will be but says in the meantime Americans need to show their support.

"I think it's critically important for us to pray for our troops and do everything we can to show that we are supporting them and their families who are here," McIntyre said.

Former Marine and local attorney Thom Goolsby said, "I think we all should be very proud of our troops who are over there and all volunteer force who are doing exceedingly well over there."

Goolsby served in the first Gulf War when he was in the Marine Corps, and knows first-hand what the men and women overseas are going through.

"Most of the protestors I see have never been in the military and don't know what it's like," Goolsby said. "And they're complaining about a war they've not been asked to fight."

Congressman McIntyre says he is not only going to Iraq to assess the government, but also to thank the troops in person.