12/12/2012 - Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta delivers remarks to more than 300 Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen here Dec. 12, 2012. Panetta took time to speak with troops to thank them for their service and answer questions before continuing his tour throughout Southwest Asia. “I really wanted to come out and wish all of you the happiest holidays,” said Panetta. “I know you are all a long way from home and I deeply appreciate the sacrifice that all of you are making.” (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Alexandra M. Boutte)

12/12/2012 - Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta delivers remarks to more than 300 Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen here Dec. 12, 2012. Panetta wished service members a happy holiday season and answered audience members’ questions on military budget issues. “We are not simply going to cut across the board and weaken everything in our military,” he said. “We will look at every area of the military budget and determine where savings could be achieved but will do it in a responsible way.” (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Alexandra M. Boutte)

12/12/2012 - Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta visits with more than 300 Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen here Dec. 12, 2012. Panetta wished service members a happy holiday season and took a few moments to discuss military budget issues. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Alexandra M. Boutte)