Millions of viewers across the nation tuned into President Barack Obama's announcement about the troops Wednesday night. Among them, thousands of families with a loved one stationed in Afghanistan. Among those thousands, Sharon and Joe Russell of Conway.
While President Obama's speech was considerably short compared to others he's given in the past, the Russells hung on every word. Their son, Lt. Joseph M. Russell, was deployed to Afghanistan in February.
During his speech, they remained quiet. Afterwards, Sharon said she thought the number would be watered down a bit and probably won't affect her son, but it still gives her hope.
"At least it's a start, and I think once you start, it would be awfully hard to roll the ball backwards again," she said.
Joe is wary of how the withdrawal of the troops will be handled.
"I hope they're making their decisions somewhat realistically," he said.
In a new poll out by the PEW Research Center, 56 percent of Americans said the United States should remove troops from Afghanistan as soon as possible. 39 percent said troops should stay in Afghanistan until the situation there has stabilized.
Lt. Joseph Russell will finish his tour in Afghanistan next February. He turns 25 next week.
