July 21, 2006
Media contact: Jeff Schrade (202)224-9093

(Washington, DC) U.S. Senator Larry Craig announced today that he has added two new faces to his staff on the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, of which he serves as chairman, as well as providing three others with summer internships.

"As a young man I had the opportunity to work for Idaho Congressman Orval Hansen, so as an elected official, it's a real pleasure for me to be able to provide a similar opportunity for others. Here they do much of the day to day work ? finding answers to problems, answering the phones, and researching the problems as we develop solutions for veterans. I'm glad to have these young minds working for me on the Committee, along with my key staff," Craig said.

Kendra Waitley ? Legislative Aide

Kendra Waitley interned in Sen. Craig's Washington, DC, office last year and then went to work for Senator Craig in his Boise office as a staff assistant, answering the phones and helping constituents. Now back in the nation's capital city, Waitley is working the front desk on the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, aiding staff and helping direct veterans to the services they need. She grew up in Meridian, Idaho, and graduated in 2005 from Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, Idaho, with a degree in Applied Business.

"I greatly enjoyed working in the state office, having the day to day interaction with Idaho constituents, and the opportunity to accompany and represent Sen. Craig at various functions. I wanted to come back to DC because I missed the fast paced life and excitement on the Hill. I love working for Larry Craig and think that he is an amazing leader for the people of Idaho and for the Veterans of America. I am looking forward to new challenges and working for him in this new dynamic on the committee," Waitley said.

Brian Long ? Legislative Aide

Brian Long has found his second job on Capitol Hill now that he is also working the front desk and helping address public concerns for the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs. A 2004 graduate of the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Long took time during his college days to study abroad in Seville, Spain. After graduating from college he worked on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee before taking a job with the American Enterprise Institute, a nonpartisan, politically conservative think-tank dedicated to research and education on issues of government, politics, economics, and social welfare.

"It's great to be back on Capitol Hill, this time serving our nation's veterans," Long said. "I'm learning and growing every day."

Sarah Briggs ? Intern

Sarah Briggs grew up in Boise, Idaho, and recently graduated cum laude from Albertson College of Idaho where she majored in International Political Economy, and minored in German. She spent much of the past six years working with veterans and the elderly at a Boise nursing home. Like others working for Sen. Craig, Briggs has also seen her share of the world, having studied abroad in Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam.

"Cambodia is my uncontested favorite, but it's great to be working for America's veterans here in Washington, D.C. I hope to parlay this experience into full time employment on Capitol Hill and I appreciate the opportunity Sen. Craig has provided," Briggs said.

Matt Christensen ? Intern

Matt Christensen is a Rigby, Idaho, native who graduated from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, in 2004. He interned in Senator Craig's personal office two years ago before enrolling at Duquesne University School of Law in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In addition to two stints interning with Senator Craig, Christensen spent six weeks doing a law internship in Beijing, China. He also served as a Mormon missionary in Spain from 1995-1997.

"I've been all over the world, but it's great to be in Washington, D.C. I've been able to put my law school training to use as we work on legislation to help veterans. It's a truly a valuable experience and Sen. Craig's a great guy to work for," Christensen said.

Juan Pablo Segura ? Intern

Juan Pablo Segura grew up in McLean, Virginia and recently graduated from the Heights School, in Potomac, Maryland. He will be headed to Notre Dame University in the fall to study International Business. Segura's parents came from Argentina and he is fluent in Spanish and has been studying Chinese.

"While many of my friends were home watching the World Cup, I've been spending my summer gaining some great experiences working for Sen. Craig. It's a rare experience for someone as young as I am to have this opportunity. I truly appreciate the chance to learn how things work in the business environment of government. I hope it gives me a leg up when I get to South Bend," Segura said.

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