"Next year Afghanistan..."

As I sit here and write, I continue to reflect on the presidential speech that just ended a few moments ago. Exactly 18 minutes of conversation from the US president. He praised the building of Iraq, the democracy of Iraq and the lowrise of troops that have left Iraq two weeks ago. Iraq now has lead responsibility for their government. Scary when I think about how just seven years ago the roads were covered in blood in Iraq. I pray that soldiers who have spent the majority of their lives on four deployments can now say that there has been a drastic improvement in this country. However, I am happy to know that the combat in the Iraq war has ended. It's now time to worry about energy reform, education, and economy right here in our own country.
I found it interesting that there was no praise for the initiation of Mr. Bush, but its seems Obama wanted to feel the divisions that "It is now time to turn the page. We will be partners with Iraq and Afghanistan even when we are gone." How do I interpret that? Is this a political statement towards Democrats or does he really mean it?
My mind ponders. Mr. Obama goes forth to say that the military will next move out of Afghanistan in July 2011. Our US has paid a huge price to put Iraq into a democracy. Nearly 4,400 soldiers have sacrificed their lives while serving in the Middle East. 1.5 million have served our country in Iraq 2 million if you include Afghanistan. Pretty astounding when you put it into measure. I was amazed to hear what our country does and will continue to do for our veterans....PTSD (1/5 of veterans suffer when coming home), disabilities, brain trauma, etc. For the first time in years, our government will continue to strengthen the GI Bill after 9/11 to help those who served with healthcare, support, and full education reform so that veterans no longer have to suffer. 450,000 have filed some sort of disability when returning from war. It has costed close to to 3 trillion dollars.
This nearly marks America's longest war. As we continue to see our troops serving our country now in Afghanistan please remember the troops are our steel in our ship of state. Obama states: "more than ever our nation needs to come together."
Please keep Jon in your prayers as he continues his missions this week. He called tonight to say that he would be going on a longer mission for the next few days that could last well into the double digits of hours.
Love and Prayers,
Kristine