National Security Adviser Susan Rice has traveled to Afghanistan as part of her first solo overseas trip as national security adviser.
Rice arrived in Kabul over the weekend and will leave Tuesday to meet American soldiers and diplomatic staff around the holidays and speak to Afghan civil society leaders and officials.
"On behalf of President Obama, she is thanking the men and women who are away from their families this Thanksgiving and serving in harm's way," according to administration officials. "She will hear directly from U.S. troops, diplomats, and development professionals about our efforts as we move toward the responsible conclusion of our combat mission at the end of 2014 and as we continue to strengthen Afghanistan to ensure that it can provide security, governance, and opportunity for its people."