More than 6,000 miles away, in the middle of two war zones, the chant "We are... Penn State" can still be heard.
Local congressman and Penn State alumnus Rep. Glenn "GT" Thompson, R-5th District, was "humbled" by the response he received when he arrived in Afghanistan and Iraq over the weekend to experience firsthand the challenges the two countries are facing.
"It was a privilege to meet with the troops from all over America sacrificing so much," Thompson said in a telephone conference from Budapest, Hungary.
"The 5th District is well represented within the heroes that are serving over there."
Thompson and his five-member delegation arrived in Kuwait before being flown to Iraq in a C-130 Hercules aircraft.
There, Thompson spent time with the Commanding General of the Multi-National Force-Iraq, Gen. Raymond Odierno -- who he said was a Penn State fan -- before he met with the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction Stuart Bowen, Jr.
"It was a great opportunity," Thompson said. "[Bowen] was doing a great job making sure we are getting a full value for every dollar spent."
Thompson said he found no shortage of Penn State fans during his visit.
After hearing that Odierno was a Penn State fan, Thompson made sure to pack a large "PSU" magnet and a metal Nittany Lion statue to give him as gifts.
As he walked into the room to meet Odierno with the gifts in hand, Thompson said he was shocked and appreciative at the response he received.
"They saw me carrying the items and they all broke into a chant of 'We are... Penn State.' It was humbling to see local people there and connect with the troops," he said.
