Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Jim Risch met with Sergeant Samuel Manifold of Grangeville during a tour of the Egypt/Israel border earlier this week. The stop was one of many that Risch is scheduled to make during his visit to the Middle East.

The U.S. has some 650 troops currently serving in the Sinai Peninsula as part of the Multinational Force and Observers peacekeeping mission. The mission, which has been in place for nearly 30 years, consists of military personnel from 11 countries assigned to supervise the implementation of security provisions agreed to in the Egyptian-Israeli Treaty of Peace.

"America has a history of helping to restore and maintain peace around the world, and the vital role soldiers like Sergeant Manifold play in these sometimes less-publicized missions is often overlooked," said Risch. "It was great to see and learn about Sergeant Manifold's contribution to this mission. His service, like that of Idaho's other military men and women, is something we can take great pride in."

Risch serves on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and is the Ranking Member on the subcommittee assigned to oversee U.S. relations in the Middle East. Joining him on the tour are Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming who also is assigned to the Foreign Relations Committee and Senator Saxby Chambliss of Georgia who serves with Risch on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.

Risch will discuss his trip and other issues being taken up by Congress in his address to the Boise Chamber of Commerce Congressional Forum at the Owyhee Plaza Hotel on Friday, April, 17th. NOTE: More information on the Multinational Force & Observers can be found at http://www.mfo.org. A photo of Senator Risch and Sergeant Manifold is attached.