Obama Thanks Troops In New Jersey Ahead Of Holidays
FORT DIX, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- President Barack Obama told troops Monday that every American who has served in Afghanistan should be proud of what they've accomplished.
Obama observed the end of combat operations in Afghanistan by visiting U.S. troops at New Jersey's Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. The base has been a launching point for deployments to Afghanistan.
The president said America's war in Afghanistan is coming to a responsible end. He said the U.S. is glad to have its troops coming home.
Obama Thanks Troops In New Jersey Ahead Of Holidays
U.S. and NATO troops closed their operational command in Afghanistan last week after 13 years of war. Some troops will remain, however, to carry out operations against Taliban and al Qaeda targets.
Obama praised America's military for protecting the nation's safety, freedom and security.
"We're free and safe over here because you're willing to serve over there," he said. "That's the noble spirit of your sacrifice. That's the selfless character of our military. Those are the precious gifts that you give America, not just this time of year, but all year, every year. You never stop serving. You never stop giving. You guys are like Santa in fatigues."
As WCBS 880's Alex Silverman reported, Obama exchanged a brief handshake with Gov. Chris Christie before joking about how he wanted to rematch the potential 2016 presidential candidate in the football toss -- which they played together when the president toured the Point Pleasant Beach boardwalk last year.
Obama noted that politicians disagree on plenty.
"But whether liberal or conservative, Democrat or Republican, white, black, brown, rich, poor, no matter how we pray, no matter who we love, when it comes to our troops -- when it comes to you and your families as Americans -- we stand united," Obama said. "We are proud of you. We support you. And we can never thank you enough."
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in Burlington County is the nation's only one tri-service joint base. It is home to more than 38,000 active-duty, reserve and guard service members, civilians and family members.
The base has also been used to send service members to West Africa to help confront the Ebola crisis.
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