KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii (AP) – President Barack Obama says “we never take for granted” what U.S. service members do to help keep the American people safe and free.
Obama says “it’s tough” being deployed overseas and that while his administration has brought home thousands of troops, many are still serving in dangerous places like Iraq and Afghanistan.
He referenced the six American service members who were killed this week in a suicide attack at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan.
Obama spoke during his annual Christmas Day visit to service members stationed at Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe Bay, as well as their families. He was accompanied by his wife, Michelle.
Obama says U.S. troops help keep Americans free and the country strong. He declared himself “extraordinarily grateful” for everything they do every single day.