Press Release from David Castillo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 3, 2009

STATEMENT FROM DAVID CASTILLO, CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE, WA-3 ON PRESIDENT OBAMA’S DECISION TO COMMITT ADDITIONAL TROOPS TO AFGHANISTAN

OLYMPIA, Wash. – “I support President Obama’s decision to send an additional 30,000 plus troops into Afghanistan. It is a good sign that the President will finally provide General McChrystal with the troops that he requested three months ago. I do, however, have some concerns.

As a veteran of the armed forces, and a former official with the Department of Homeland Security, I recognize that any mission must be undertaken with a clear understanding of what success looks like. Any time that troops are put into harm's way, the objective must be victory.

Although I commend the President for his commitment, I am disappointed that he and other leading Democrats have not once mentioned the word victory when it comes to defining success in Afghanistan. Additionally, I have serious concerns about the 18 month deadline that has been put in place for this mission.

Finally, Victory in Afghanistan will take the resolve of members of Congress and the American people. Now that we are increasing the number of troops in Afghanistan, I am even more disappointed in Congressman’s Baird's vote against the Defense Authorization Bill that provides our troops with the resources, tools, and equipment they need to achieve victory.

The brave men and women who are conducting the War on Terror in Afghanistan, Iraq, the Horn of Africa, and throughout the world deserve our support, admiration, and respect. If the president remains committed to this crucial fight, the American people will stand with him.”

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