half a world away where you would become all too familiar with the mountains of the hindu kush and streets of fallujah. throughout the last 11 years guardsmen and women have helped keep us safe from attack, and the nation owes you a great debt of gratitude. i wish i could say the world is less dangerous now and less chaotic. i wish i could predict with certainty the threats we'll face in the years ahead. on september 10th, 2001, we had no idea that america would be at war in afghanistan someday. in december of 2010 we had no idea that a tunisian street vendor would inspire a revolution that would topple three dictators. we live in a time of turbulence and disruption. what i can say with certainty is that we need the national guard's vigilance and strength now as much as ever before.