President - elect Barack Obama met with troops in Hawaii on Christmas Day . Obama praised Hawaii 's military men and women in online message . `` 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 . Obama calls on Americans to ` ` ' a sense of common . ''
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 . ''