FORT POLK — Soldiers preparing to deploy to Iraq were greeted by U.S. Sen. John Kennedy on Wednesday.

Kennedy said that he traveled to the Vernon Parish installation to thank the soldiers for their dedication and for their sacrifice.

“We have the finest military the world has ever known, and that didn’t just happen,” he said. “It happened because a lot of people made a lot of sacrifices for their fellow citizens, and a lot of them are right here at Fort Polk.”

Fresh off the heels of an address from President Trump pledging to continue the war in Afghanistan, Kennedy said that meetings like Wednesday’s help to “make it very real” for him when making congressional decisions regarding the military.

“It’s one thing to look at a country on a map,” he said. “But it’s another thing to talk to men and women who have fought there to help the people and keep America free.”

Army Col. Brian Sullivan said the personal meeting will help keep the morale high for his soldiers as they prepare for the deployment.

“We have a great brigade at a great installation,” he said. “And we appreciate all the support we can get.”

U.S. Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., shakes the hand of a Fort Polk solider who is set to deploy to Iraq this fall. Kennedy visited the Army post to thank the soldiers preparing for deployment. (Pamela Sleezer/American Press)