Northern Virginians Express Concerns in Town Hall Meeting
Many, who I would call conservative voters, called in with questions about immigration, energy costs, and military training for upcoming deployments. I listened for just about an hour and I was able to gauge that most of the calls were from people who were quite upset with the federal government, and who felt that congress was not doing enough to secure the borders.
One male caller said that he was concerned about his upcoming deployment to Afghanistan. He said he was proud to serve but had serious concerns about the Air Force providing only two weeks of combat training before deployments into combat zones.
I would have to agree with him on the combat training. It was just 10 years ago that I was in the Air Force and was receiving ground combat training at Camp Bullis, just outside of San Antonio, Texas. However, I was in one of a few combative roles (Security Forces) the Air Force provides. But After 9/11, the transformation of the U.S. Armed Forces turned traditional non-combative military personnel into more engaging, neutralizing and securing forces.
I believe what the caller was trying to get Wolf to realize was that his young kids are the most important part of his life, but the military is cramming critical combat training of his fellow Airmen, who he has to depend on and deploy with into a deteriorating situation in Afghanistan.
Another caller seemed in tears as he complained about the Wolf’s record on illegal immigration.
“I stood and looked in your face 14 years ago and told you something needed to be done,” said the emotional caller from Manassas Park, VA.
Wolf wasted no time in responding to the caller by outlining his efforts over 20 years. He said he made trips to El Salvador to learn about the gangs, held town hall meetings to bring attention and funding to the problem and he also said he had worked with the FBI to help fight the gang problems (MS-13) associated with illegal immigration in Prince William County.
After Wolf ended the conversation, what was gained from tonight’s town hall meeting was that people are extremely concerned about the economy and the country as a whole. They are either ready for more domestic change or just could be in need of a sign that things will get better.
Do you believe Congress is doing enough to push a strong domestic agenda or are they throwing constituents under the bus?
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