The Army's always had a special place in my heart.

The more we focus on using renewable fuels, the less we are dependent upon foreign oil.

My hope is that we continue to do an even better job in terms of our nation's energy policy, so that we may even further reduce our reliance on foreign sources of oil and take better care of our environment in the process.

Last month, the Iraqi people went to the polls, voting in their first free election in more than 50 years.

We have already seen evidence that, notwithstanding the addition of substantial resources, we are experiencing great stress in recruiting and not inconsequential retention problems.

Throughout the history of our young nation, we have seen our military go bravely into battle, armed with courage and willing to make the ultimate sacrifice.

One only has to look at the performance of the economy to understand how it shapes the perspective of America's youth about military service.