US troops in Afghanistan enjoy Thanksgiving Day, thanked by Pres. Obama

KABUL, Afghanistan (KGO) -- U.S. troops in Afghanistan enjoyed Thanksgiving Day with a special turkey meal.

They enjoyed some lighter moments with their combat colleagues in the absence of family and friends.

"We make do with our team that we have over here. It's kind of sort of our little home away from home and our little replacement for our family and eating over there," Sgt. Ricky Depillo from Illinois said.

"I will be home next year and I'm looking forward to that more than anything, looking forward to my boys. They are young and going to Boy Scouts and taking them everywhere and just spending time with family and friends," Col. Clay Pettit from Missouri said.

This is the last Thanksgiving before the U.S. and NATO combat mission ends on December 31.

President Obama wished everyone a happy Thanksgiving in his weekly address.

"Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday because, more than any other, it is uniquely American," he said. "Each of us brings our own traditions and cultures and recipes to the table, but we all share this day, united by the gratitude for the bounty of this nation.

The president went on to say, "We welcome the contributions of all people, no matter their origin or color or beliefs, who call America home."

The president took time out to call American troops from the Oval Office to thank them for their service.

The first family is spending a quiet Thanksgiving at the White House, where the menu features all the holiday favorites.