Obama praises 14 Americans killed in Afghanistan helicopter crashes

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President Obama traveled to Florida where he told a military audience that the 14 Americans who died today in helicopter crashes in Afghanistan gave their lives to protect Americans from terrorism.

‘They were willing to risk their lives, in this case, to prevent Afghanistan from once again becoming a safe haven for Al Qaeda and its extremist allies,’ Obama told an audience of about 3,500 at the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Fla. ‘They gave their lives to protect ours.’

‘Now, it is our duty, as a nation, to keep their memory alive in our hearts and to carry on their work,’ Obama said. ‘To take care of their families. To keep our country safe. To stand up for the values we hold dear and the freedom they defended. That is what they dedicated their lives to. That is what we must do.’

Obama traveled to Florida after holding a national security meeting on Afghanistan in Washington. Obama is considering what will be the focus of the war, now in its ninth year.

The president is weighing a request from the military for up to 40,000 more troops, in addition to the 68,000 already authorized. NATO has committed 40,000 troops.

‘I will never rush the solemn decision of sending you into harm’s way,’ Obama said to cheers. “I won’t risk your lives unless it is absolutely necessary. And if it is necessary, we will back you up. Because you deserve the strategy, the clear mission, the defined goals and the equipment and support you need to get the job done. That’s the promise I make to you.’

– Michael Muskal
Twitter.com/latimesmuskal