Iraq War veterans on Hill praise snipers amid controversy over film

Two Iraq War veterans elected to serve on Capitol Hill on Sunday praised the role of snipers in the U.S. military amid the controversy over “American Sniper.”

{mosads}“It’s the most realistic movie I’ve seen in terms of really bringing me back to Iraq,” Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) said on CNN’s “State of the Union.”

“What really drew me into this movie was how you see [Navy SEAL] Chris [Kyle] is very drawn to go back … There’s more I have to do, there’s more I need to do. I’ve always felt that. “

“There’s not a day that goes by now where I don’t think about it. You miss the brotherhood of it. You think about all the things you could have done,” Kinzinger added.

“One of the most important things to remember is that when we go to war, we are actually bringing our families with us,” Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) said in response to a question about the focus on social and familial dynamics in the movie.

“It’s sometimes more difficult for family members than their deployed service members,” he added.

“I heard some horror stories from my mom and my wife when we took some casualties in my platoon that didn’t know whether I was dead or alive for a couple hours.”

Gallego said he, along with other Marines, had problems with reintegration, which must be explored.

Both lawmakers, who serve on the House Armed Services Committee, praised the snipers with whom they’ve served.

“They’re fantastic people,” Kinzinger said. “They’re amazing.”

“They all are brave men and women that have done a lot of hard work,” he added.

“They’re the folks protecting us, the folks that are protecting the guys on the ground from threats they don’t see.”

“They’re great warriors, and they’re just a different breed of military person,” Gallego said.