She saw Task Force Green Mountain in Kuwait; she saw Task Force Catamount in Afghanistan. She has consistently done everything she can to check on the soldiers physically and shake their hands.

We've got about 550 soldiers and airmen deployed in support of operation Iraqi Freedom and operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

Those are the same vests our soldiers are being issued.

The Air Force has done well with this program. It brings a lot of stability and predictability to the process. Families are able to plan ahead.

I just know I had conversations with many of them who were opting not to take it and I was sad to see them go.

Getting paid as a soldier on active duty status is more than a state employee earns.

It's certainly conceivable that based on the broad concerns of the mission they may require that training or that the battalion as a whole will do that kind of mission.

It's also to ensure they have everything they need, to check on the leadership on the ground. It's a morale visit, but it's also an opportunity for her to have her eyes on the existing situation on the ground.