President Obama Welcomes Troops home from Iraq

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President Barack Obama, joined by first lady Michelle Obama, made his first visit to Fort Bragg on Wednesday, welcoming home the troops as the end of the Iraq War draws near and thanking the men and women in uniform for their service.

“As your Commander-in-Chief, and on behalf of a grateful nation, I’m proud to finally say these two words: Welcome home,” President Obama told the cheering crowd of troops and family members.

President Obama spoke about the enormous sacrifices and achievements of Americans who served in the Iraq War and their family members over the nearly nine-year conflict in Iraq.

“The incredible men and women of Fort Bragg have been there every step of the way. Serving with honor; sacrificing greatly,” the president said as he recounted Fort Bragg’s involvement at the start and finish of the Iraq War.

He remarked that Fort Bragg soldiers were some of the first to arrive in Iraq during the initial invasion of Baghdad in 2003, and they will also be some of the last to leave when the United States exits.

The United States suffered more than 4,500 fatalities while in Iraq; 202 were based out of Fort Bragg. More than 30,000 troops were wounded in combat.

President Obama reassured the troops that care, benefits and opportunities for them and their family members will continue.“ You stood up for America; America needs to stand up for you.”

The spouses of senior leadership and Gov. Bev Purdue were also singled out and recognized for their efforts by the President.

As the expiration date nears on the Security Agreements made between former President George W. Bush and Iraqi officials, President Obama is carrying out the promise to have all U.S. military personnel removed from Iraq. Soldiers from Fort Bragg have been redeploying by the plane full over the past month.

Remarks made by Obama during a joint news conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki on Monday acknowledged the hard work and sacrifices made by U.S. troops in Iraq.

"When I took office, nearly 150,000 American troops were deployed in Iraq, and I pledged to end this war, responsibly," Obama said. "Today, only several thousand troops remain there, and more are coming home every day.

"This is a season of homecomings, and military families across America are being reunited for the holidays," Obama added. "In the coming days, the last American soldiers will cross the border out of Iraq, with honor and with their heads held high. After nearly nine years, our war in Iraq ends this month."

The victories for our military in Iraq come through in the numbers. In a press conference earlier in the month, Gen. Frank Helmick outlined how the 18th Airborne Corps has had an impact during their time in Iraq over the past year alone.

"Since their arrival in January 2011, the 18th Airborne Corps have partaken in historical events to include helping create conditions for a record low number of attacks throughout the country," Helmick said. "This week the daily attack average against the U.S. and Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) was under five, whereas in May 2007 at the height of the war, it was upwards of 148 attacks per