One of the things we understand is, is that terrorism cannot just be dealt with militarily, there is also social and political components to it that have to be recognized.

And that's why tonight our thoughts and prayers are with the men and women who will be spending this holiday far away from home.

We will begin to transfer our lead responsibility to Afghan counterparts.

We keep in our thoughts and prayers the many families marking this Thanksgiving with an empty seat saved for a son or daughter, a husband or wife stationed in harm's way.

And we say a special thanks for the sacrifices those men and women in uniform are making for our safety and freedom.

I'm most going to miss being the Commander in Chief.

I want to thank General Alexander for his hospitality to me and the Vice President and Director McConnell.

I thank you for honoring our troops.

The USO has formed a warm and loving bond with the men and women who wear our uniform.

I want to thank your family as well as all the other families who are standing by the—those who wear the uniform, as this Nation continues to defend her own security and defend young democracies.

On this occasion, we pay special tribute to the men and women of our Armed Forces.

This legislation will make it easier for our troops to transfer unused education benefits to their spouses and children.

We owe a debt of gratitude to our Nation's military families.

They volunteered to deploy in distant lands, far from their families, far from their homes, and far from comfort of America.

Before they leave, the Congress needs to pass an emergency war funding bill so that our troops on the frontlines have the tools they need to protect themselves and us.

This legislation gives our troops the funds they need to prevail without tying the hands of our commanders in the field or imposing artificial timetables for withdrawal.

We pray for the safe return of all those serving overseas.

I will strongly reject an artificial timetable withdrawal and/or Washington politicians trying to tell those who wear the uniform how to do their job.