Cindy E., Lambertville
When asked who the Ege Family supports for Congress, without hesitation -- Rush Holt. I will forever remember where I was and what I was doing on December 4, 2003, when my oldest son was activated to go to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom. He left at 4am on December 5 for his base in New York. I was panicked, scared and the concerned for his life.
Prior to leaving for Iraq in April, he called me to discuss a concern for the soldiers in his troop. They were informed they would receive the flak jacket for protection, but not the ceramic insert because they were with the construction crew and were not infantry. Mitchell knew we would find the $900 for him, but wasn’t sure how the rest of his troop, 51 of them, would be able to come up with the money.
I was dismayed. My son, who worked with explosives, was not being given the equipment he needed to do his job. I didn’t know what to do, but remembered our friend, Congressman Rush Holt. I was not hopeful and more panicked than anything.
My first call to Congressman Holt’s office was courteous, pleasant and assuring. A few days later, my son’s troop was fitted for their ceramic inserts which were waiting for them when they got off the plane in Kuwait. My husband and I were so grateful. We were relieved, they were taken care of and we felt all was going to be ok.
When fifty two members of his troop landed in Kuwait, they were told they would not receive the proper grenades, guns, and other tools required to help them safely reach their destination in Kirkuk, Iraq. This is a four day drive across the desert. When I placed the call to Congressman Holt, I was questioning if this was even true and thought there must be a misunderstanding. As always, the staff at Rush’s office was pleasant and had a calming effect. The next day, from Kuwait, Mitchell’s Commander called to thank me and to see that the Congressman received their appreciation. They had received the tools they needed and safely reached their destination in Kirkuk, Iraq.
We consider ourselves lucky because two of our children spent time in Iraq and returned to us in one piece. We will always support Congressman Holt in all of his political aspirations. He listens, works hard to represent the people, and quickly resolves issues.
Thank you Rush for all that you do for the 12th District!
Cindy Ege and Family
Lambertville
Hunterdon County
