By Heather Hintze

SALEM, Ore. -- Last week, Governor Ted Kulongoski spent two days in Iraq, visiting Oregon National Guard soldiers. Then he headed to Afghanistan for another two days at an operating base.

Now, after four days in Afghanistan and Iraq, Governor Kulongoski says he has a better understanding of what the United States' presence means for people overseas.

Kulongoski says he believes the war continues to be a tough issue for President Obama, and that the President is looking beyond just military success.

He also stated that he was especially impressed with Army and National Guard medics, and says Congress could look at the armed forces medical care system and apply it to our system here in the United States.

Soldiers had the chance to talk with the Governor about their concerns.

Governor Kulongoski says he hopes many of the soldiers returning next year will take advantage of the GI Bill and go back to school to get degrees in high-demand fields.