Perry Returns from Iraq Trip

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) _ Gov. Rick Perry has returned from a Defense Department trip to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Perry’s office say the governor arrived back in Texas late Wednesday after traveling with the governors of Minnesota, Missouri, Illinois and Nevada.

During the six-day trip, Perry visited several cities in Iraq: Baghdad, Taji, Al Asad and Tallil. Then he went to Afghanistan and visited Bagram, Gardez, Ghazni, Jalalabad and the Task Force Phoenix Headquarters. Perry also stopped at bases in Kuwait and Germany.

In Iraq, Perry gave out Texas flags that had flown over the state Capitol. He presented the combat infantry badge to Sgt. Maj. Travis Petty of Fort Worth and Spc. Bradley Merchant of Lubbock.

About 4,500 Texas National Guard members are deployed in the region.

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