KANEOHE BAY (TIP): US President Barack Obama says Afghanistan has a chance to rebuild thanks to the extraordinary service of US troops.

Obama is honoring troops on Christmas at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. It’s an annual tradition for Obama during his family vacation on the island.

Obama says the world is more prosperous and the American homeland is protected because of the sacrifices made by US military members and their families.

Obama points out that the US has been at war in Afghanistan for more than 13 years. He says this year is an important one because the US combat mission there will end next week. Obama says the U.S. is safer and that Afghanistan will never again be the source of terrorist attacks.