Residents of the Rio Grande Valley are reacting to the news of a total troop withdrawal announced today by President Barack Obama.
President Obama said he’s proud to make good on a promise he made when he was running for office.
“As a candidate for President, I pledge to bring the war in Iraq to a responsible end. After taking office, I announced a strategy that could remove our troops by the end of 2011” said President Obama.
Some Valley residents hope the President will make good on his statement by promising to bring an estimated 100,000 military troops home by January 1, 2012.
“Too many broken promised” said an Action 4 Facebook Friend.
“This should have happen a long time ago. I might sound bitter, {but} it should have happen before my little cousin was killed {at war}” said Action 4 Facebook Friend Jackie Ramos.
The war in Iraq began eight-and-a-half years ago and has claimed more than 4,400 American lives.
Forty-two servicemen from the Rio Grande Valley have been killed during the war in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Democratic Congressman Ruben Hinojosa, District 15 (D-TX) told Action 4 News Friday’s announcement was well overdue.
"Bringing our troops home is very good news for America. I, along with some of my colleagues in Congress, voted against the invasion of Iraq so I think our President made a wise choice in getting our troops out of Iraq” said Congressman Ruben Hinojosa.
“I welcome our brave troops home to be with their families and loved ones. I hope that Iraq will continue to build on their new democratic government and will continue to be an ally of the United States of America" said Hinjosa.
Once the troops are withdrawn, Iraqi military will fully take control.
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