Away from home for the holidays

The holidays are a time of family and festivities in America, but for many soldiers deployed overseas the time can be lonely as they are away from family and friends. However, there are ways for Americans to help. Watch the following production to find out how you can help bring the holidays to the troops overseas.



By Angie and Jen.

The Journey from Soldier to Student: SGT James Ryburn Halstead III

SGT James Ryburn Halstead III joined the Army in 2003 at the age of 20, serving as a Forward Observer. Halstead has served two tours in Iraq since joining the Army. Today he spends his time in Pullman, Wash. studying construction management. Hear his story in the video below.

Obama Picks His National Security Team

Obama has just announced his National Security team, with Hillary Clinton leading the way as Secretary of state but a major concern is still the matter of pulling our troops out of Iraq. Obama's goal is to remove our troops from combat in Iraq within 16 months . President-elect Barack Obama also named Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, Gen. James L. Jones as national security adviser; Gov. Janet Napolitano as secretary of homeland security, Susan E. Rice as ambassador to the United Nations, and Eric H. Holder JR. as attorney general. It will be exciting to see what this team can do for our country and pulling our troops out of Iraq in the next 16 months.