As Democratic secretary of the House Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee, I was joined by fellow committee members Rep.s Maria Donatucci and Pat Harkins during our meeting with the "Iron Division," the 28th Infantry Division of the Pennsylvania National Guard.

The 28th Infantry Division is headquartered in Harrisburg, and the division's lineage can be traced back to the militia organized by Benjamin Franklin in 1747.

The overall culture and operating principles of the 28th Infantry Division is impressive. The staffs are technically, tactically and operationally competent, and the units have high levels of readiness, camaraderie and Esprit de Corps.

The 28th Infantry Division is the oldest continuously serving division in the United States Army.