Barack Obama actually said...

"I thought it was important for me to make sure that I check in directly with folks face to face before those decisions were finally made."

"It’s been two years since he’s been able to get to Afghanistan, and he felt that it was very important for him to express directly to the troops his gratitude."

"I just want to take a few minutes to say thank you to all of you."

"Our combat mission here in Afghanistan would come to a conclusion at the end of 2014."