'Baghdad looked like Austin': Perry visits Texans in Iraq Perry makes surprise visit to Texas troops in Iraq

He says life in Baghdad is getting back to normal

Perry said as he returned to Baghdad Saturday night from Camp Taji aboard a Blackhawk helicopter, he could not see the city as one that has been at war.

“Baghdad looked like Austin, Texas. Lights were on everywhere. Traffic is moving through the streets,” he said.

The governor said when he visited the country in 2006, most of the nation was still in a blackout from the 2003 war and insurgency. But he said now people can be seen going to parks and traffic jams are everywhere.

“I wouldn't say it's normal in what you would see in an American city, but the transition Baghdad has made, particularly since '06, is stunning,” Perry said.

The purpose of the trip was to visit Texas Army National Guard troops stationed in Iraq, as well as regular military troops.

The Defense Department started organizing the trip for governors in May, Perry said. Other governors on the trip were Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota, Jay Nixon of Missouri, Pat Quinn of Illinois and Jim Gibbons of Nevada.

'115 on the thermometer'

Perry said it is important for governors to visit troops from their home states to let them know they are remembered and thanked for the job they are doing.

“It is very, very important that these young men and women see the support of their governors,” he said, noting there are 4,000 to 5,000 National Guard troops under his command.

“Yes, it's hot in Texas, but it was 115 on the thermometer I saw around noon today. It's tough working conditions,” Perry said.

Perry said he was honored to give the combat infantry badge to Command Sgt. Maj. Travis Petty of Fort Worth and Specialist Bradley Merchant of Lubbock.

“Whether it's shaking someone's hand and telling them they're doing a great job … it is very important for governors to come and interact with the young men and women under their command,” Perry said.

The governor said he took some Texas flags that that had over the state Capitol for several commanders.

Perry was in Kuwait when he held a conference call with reporters.

He said he was not returning directly to Texas, but declined to say what remains on his itinerary.

Perry in the past has been criticized for the political timing of trips to the Middle East to visit troops. He made two trips in 2006 when he was facing re-election.

On one trip with other governors, the airplane they were on took evasive action to avoid a possible missile attack.

This is Perry's second trip this year. He also traveled to Iraq in January.

Perry is being challenged in next year's Republican gubernatorial primary by U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison. Democrat Tom Schieffer also is running in the 2010 elections.

r.g.ratcliffe@chron.com