President Barack Obama shakes hands and thanks soldiers for their dedicated service to the nation after speaking inside the 10th Combat Aviation Brigade's dining facilities at Fort Drum, N.Y., June 23, 2011.

The soldiers, assigned to the 10th Mountain Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team, were among the first to serve in Afghanistan following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

U.S. Army photo by Steve Ghiringhelli