Senator Lankford Invites Afghan War Widow as Guest For Joint Meeting of Congress

WASHINGTON, DC— Senator James Lankford (R-OK) invited Jane Horton, widow of Army Specialist Chris Horton, to be his guest as Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani addressed a joint meeting of Congress today. Mr. Horton was an Oklahoma National Guard Army Sniper who was killed in action in Paktyia, Afghanistan on September 9, 2011.

“During this on-going time of conflict in the Middle East, America must work closely with Afghanistan to root out global terrorism and intimidation,” said Lankford. “As we welcome the newly elected President Ashraf Ghani, it’s important to remember the many American men and women who have lost their lives to protect our freedom. We must never forget the bravery of Chris Horton and all Americans killed in action to keep us safe and protect our way of life. Their service and sacrifice forever lives on through their families, loved ones, and a grateful nation.”  

Mr. Horton was a business owner and a professional sponsored shooter through the United States Shooting Academy in Owasso, Oklahoma. He is buried at the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

President Ghani is the second president of Afghanistan to address the United States Congress. President Hamid Karzai appeared before a joint meeting on June 15, 2004. 

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