( CNN ) -- President-elect Barack Obama visited military personnel and their families enjoying Christmas dinner at a Marine Corps base in Hawaii Thursday during his holiday vacation . President-elect Obama shakes hands with troops having Christmas dinner at a military base in Hawaii . Obama went to Marine Corps Base Hawaii Kaneohe Bay on Oahu where he mingled with Marines and sailors . Obama and the troops also had a traditional dinner including turkey , roast beef , ham and trimmings . Obama , dressed casually in a blue polo shirt and dark khaki trousers , chatted casually , shook hands and posed for photos with men and women in the dining hall , which had been decorated with Christmas trees and Santa figurines . Shortly before Obama entered the room , a Marine shouted to the crowd scattered across 25 tables , `` You need to take you seats , the president-elect is going to be coming . '' Obama , who spent about an hour at the Marine base , worked his way around the room , table by table . `` Just wanted to say , 'Hi , hey guys , ' '' Obama said at one point while reporters were allowed in the room . `` Hey guys , Merry Christmas , '' he said to another group . Obama also highlighted the service of the country 's military men and women now overseas in a holiday message to be broadcast on radio this Saturday . `` As we celebrate this joyous time of year , our thoughts turn to the brave men and women who serve our country far from home , '' he said in the message , which was posted online Wednesday . `` Their extraordinary and selfless sacrifice is an inspiration to us all , and part of the unbroken line of heroism that has made our freedom and prosperity possible for over two centuries . '' Watch Obama 's holiday message » . More than 140,000 soldiers are currently serving in Iraq , as well as roughly 30,000 in Afghanistan . In the broadcast message , Obama also called on Americans to `` renew a sense of common purpose and shared citizenship . '' `` These are also tough times for many Americans struggling in our sluggish economy , '' he said . `` Now , more than ever , we must rededicate ourselves to the notion that we share a common destiny as Americans -- that I am my brother 's keeper , I am my sister 's keeper . ... We must all do our part to serve one another ; to seek new ideas and new innovation ; and to start a new chapter for our great country . '' Obama said that notion `` will guide my administration in the New Year . If the American people come together and put their shoulder to the wheel of history , then I know that we can put our people back to work ... and reach the promise of a brighter day . ''
President - elect Barack Obama met with troops in Hawaii on Christmas Day . Obama praised Hawaii 's military men and women in online message . Obama calls on Americans to ` ` ' a sense of common . ''