U.S. Rep. Gonzalez shares Thanksgiving meal with troops in Afghanistan

U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-McAllen, visited troops in Afghanistan over the weekend to share a Thanksgiving meal, his office announced late Sunday.

Gonzalez was one of eight members of a bipartisan delegation from Congress to visit the war-torn country. He also visited with troops and saw military installations in Poland, Qatar and Uzbekistan, his office said.

"I was both humbled and honored to spend Thanksgiving with the brave men and women of our U.S. armed forces in Afghanistan," Gonzalez said in a written statement.

"This is the time of the year when loved ones come together to celebrate all that we have. Those serving overseas sacrifice their holidays to keep us and our allies safe. I want these American heroes to know that we are forever grateful for their service to our country. Spending time with them during Thanksgiving was both eye opening and heartwarming. I learned so much about the work our U.S. armed forces undertake at military installations across the world. As I continue to serve in Congress, I vow to make the needs of service members, veterans, and their families my top priorities."

Gonzalez is the son of a veteran of the U.S. Merchant Marine and Korean War.

Gonzalez was accompanied by U.S. reps. Trent Kelly, R-Mississippi; Neal Dunn, R-Florida; David Kustoff, R-Tennessee; Richard Hudson, R-North Carolina; Evan Jenkins, R-West Virginia; Nanette Diaz Barragan, D-California; and Claudia Tenney, R-New York