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America is blessed by our Armed Forces.
They are the most effective military in history to achieve peace through strength. The men and women who wear U.S. uniforms are not only brave, they are volunteers who have made defending our freedom their life's work. Americans have long understood that to preserve our military we have to treat those willing to fight as well as we can.
Recently, it has been called into question why the military operates grocery and department stores. While many budget-conscious experts question the need for such services, defense officials must weigh the immense value and cost savings of the military resale systems against fleeting political rhetoric.
From the mountains of the Upstate to the beaches of the Lowcountry, South Carolina is full of natural beauty. It is home to hard-working, loyal, kindhearted and resilient people. South Carolina has wonderful schools, a world-class port, vibrant research universities and highly regarded hospitals and medical centers.
Last week, I had the pleasure of hearing General David Petraeus, U.S. Army Commander of the International Security Assistance Force and of U.S. Forces in Afghanistan, testify before the House Armed Services Committee on Afghanistan.
Last Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released its February 2011 job report. The economy added 192,000 jobs, while more than 15 million people are without a job.