"We are honored and grateful that Mrs. Bush planned this trip," said Kamiya, a 1972 graduate of Saint Louis School. "Her presence is a strong demonstration of America's commitment to Afghanistan and also shows the support America has for every soldier, sailor, airman and Marine serving in the military."

The trip was Bush's first visit to Afghanistan. She arrived just before noon at Bagram. She then traveled from Bagram to Kabul on coalition helicopters and visited a Women's Teacher Training Institute at Kabul University. There, women from across Afghanistan are equipped to be educators. They then return to their villages and are able to teach girls who might not otherwise receive any formal education.

Bush also met with Afghan President Hamid Karzai at his presidential palace.

Karzai was thankful for the opportunity to meet with the first lady, and while shaking hands, he said, "This matters much more than hundreds of millions of dollars ... much more."

Bush then traveled back to Bagram, where troops waited for her at the Dragon Dining Facility. After selecting fried shrimp, broccoli and rice from the buffet line, Bush joined the troops for dinner.

As the meal concluded, the first lady stood and shared greetings and thanks on behalf of everyone back in the United States. Her introduction brought all the troops to their feet, with clapping and cheering.

"On behalf of my husband and all Americans, we want you and all the men and women who serve in our military to know we support you, we believe in you, and we're proud of you."

She reassured the service members that their families and loved ones back home were being cared for. She also referred to the achievements of the men and women serving in Afghanistan since the collapse of the Taliban.

"Thanks to you, the Taliban is gone. Thanks to you, more than 8 million men and women in Afghanistan voted in the free elections. Thanks to you, millions of little girls are going to school in this country — little girls who were denied the education just three years ago. ... These are big goals, and you've met every one of them with courage and honor," she said.

She told the troops she visited Kabul University and felt encouraged that so many women were being trained to be teachers and educators, and said the women were "relishing" their newfound freedom.

"Each act of independence helps the roots of democracy grow stronger, and your work made all this possible."

Bush concluded her remarks by thanking the service members again for everything they were doing in Afghanistan and for every hardship and sacrifice they endure for the cause of freedom.