Rick Snyder (Michigan GOVERNOR) tours Afghanistan (April 18 - 20, 2012)

from MI Live website (www.milive.org/ )

http://www.mlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/04/gov_rick_snyder_says_hes_in_af.html

Gov. Rick Snyder says he's in Afghanistan to say “thank you” to American troops and talk to members of the military about what the state can do to help them find jobs once their service to the country is complete. He spoke to reports on a conference call from base near Kabul after visiting with National Guard members from Michigan in Germany and Kuwait. “This has been a tremendous experience,” Snyder said. “This is a fabulous opportunity to say 'thank you' to the troops in person. There's great pride. These men and women are making a great sacrifice, putting their lives at risk and service us wonderfully.”
Snyder said the Department of Defense periodically offers governors the opportunity to see operations overseas, and he is with Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee and South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard. The governors started on Monday by visiting servicemen recovering at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Before flying to Germany to visit another military hospital and Kuwait, where he spent time with the 1462nd Transportation Company, Michigan Army National Guard based in Howell
He said there are about 1,300 Michigan residents deployed with the Army and Air Force National Guard in Kuwait and Afghanistan. Snyder said he's met with everyone from generals to riflemen, and is impressed by the high morale.
He said Michiganders have asked about what's going on back home – especially sports.
“There's a lot of hockey discussion,” he said. “They want to see the Red Wings pull it out, and they're excited about the Tigers. I even had someone talk 'Yooper' to me.”
Snyder said he's concerned about the unemployment rate for veterans, and is working with the military to help soldiers start looking for jobs before they return home. He said there could be a part of the state's Mitalent.org jobs website that could be designated for people looking to use skills they've acquired while serving. Snyder said he's also looking for opportunities for Michigan businesses to work with the military and with efforts overseas.
The governors plan to tour several more places in Afghanistan today and Thursday before returning on Friday.