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When visiting the Middle East over Memorial Day weekend, I must admit that I did not expect to see a sign for "Big Bob's Truck Stop and Up-Armor Facility" in Balad, Iraq. But again demonstrating the fortitude of the U.S. military, our soldiers established this facility in response to the increasing numbers of roadside bombs used against our convoys. As I toured "Big Bob's," I was overwhelmed by the U.S. military's tremendous ability to recognize a problem, work to find a solution and adapt to the challenges of the global war on terror.

SC Base Closure; S.C.'s major military bases to remain openBy SUSANNE SCHAFERAssociated Press 13 May 2005COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - South Carolina got a vote of confidence from the Pentagon on Friday: Major bases escaped closure and the state was told it would receive more than 700 jobs. "This is a precursor of even better days," said U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C.

Island Packet BY REP. JOE WILSON, Special to The PacketDuring Congress' spring work break, I was pleased to host nearly 20 meetings on strengthening Social Security throughout the Second District.The Residence Hall Association at the University of South Carolina, the Aiken Chamber of Commerce in Wagener, and the Latin American Council on Hilton Head Island are a few of the groups who graciously agreed to sponsor these discussions.

U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson addresses students, faculty and staff of Claflin University during its Honors and Awards Convocation Tuesday morning.

March 31, 2005Wilson Announces $6.6 Million Contract for FNMI Today, Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC.) announced that the U.S. Department of Defense has awarded a $6.6 million contract to FN Manufacturing, Inc. (FNMI), of Columbia, South Carolina. FNMI will use the funding for materials in support of the M16A4 rifle and M4 Carbine."I'm proud to congratulate FNMI on securing another substantial contract from the U.S. Department of Defense," said Wilson.

Half a Dozen Lawmakers Have Kids at War By LAURIE KELLMANAssociated Press WriterWASHINGTON (AP) -- For about half a dozen members of Congress who have had kids serving in Iraq, the war is far more than a matter of public policy. They debate it and often defend it - with eyes on public opinion, like almost any elected official. But they also live the war through those most dear to them.Therein lies a lesson about the limits of power.For more than a year, Rep.

No Room For Flies on These WallsFebruary 22, 2005 By Bree Hocking,Roll Call Staff Wilson's Office Sports Vast Political CollectionToday, Roll Call debuts an occasional series in which lawmakers welcome readers into their offices and share the stories behind their decorations. We welcome suggestions for future profiles at officespace@rollcall.com. When most Members arrive on Capitol Hill, it's standard to bring along a few mementos from home to brighten up their new digs. Rep. Joe Wilson brought a veritable political museum.

"Mr. Speaker, having served as poll manager, poll watcher, county election commissioner, state ballot security coordinator, campaign manager and candidate, I know firsthand the challenges of free elections. In our developed democracy, we are confronted with the serious problems of securing polling locations, recruiting poll workers, printing intelligible ballots, finding dedicated managers, providing current poll lists…the challenges are endless. But, unlike Iraqi voters, we've rarely been asked to brave bullets, bombs and terrorist thugs on our way to the polls.