soldier's lives. we're giving this special coverage called "a soldier's story." it documents following the troop from home front for too battle front. you can catch it tonight and tomorrow 8:00 eastern time. jason carroll reports. here he is with a preview. >> reporter: in the fading light of a cold december evening, barely one full year ago, the president of the united states boards marine one, then air force one for a trip to west point, new york. >> ladies and gentlemen, the president of the united states. >> reporter: the 33-minute speech he's about to deliver will affect the lives of every cadet in eisenhower hall. >> as commander in chief, i have determined to send an additional 30,000 u.s. troops to afghanistan.