Fallin to visit troops in the Middle East

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin is traveling to the Middle East to visit members of the National Guard serving overseas.

Fallin spokesman Michael McNutt says the governor left Monday afternoon from the Washington, D.C. area on a trip being coordinated by the U.S. Department of Defense.

Fallin flew to the Washington area late Sunday before departing for the Middle East.

In a statement from the Pentagon, Fallin says men and women in uniform impress and inspire her.

McNutt deferred questions about logistics and trip details to the Department of Defense, which has organized several troop visits with delegations of governors.

McNutt says the Department of Defense is providing the transportation and lodging for Fallin and the governors making the trip.