News 12 at 11 o'clock, November 30, 2009

SOUTH CAROLINA---On Tuesday evening, President Barack Obama will tell the nation his plans for Afghanistan. The top general on the ground wants 40,000 more troops. On Monday night, military personnel and their families anticipated that speech, waiting for the details on his plan of action.

The president is expected to explain at least three things in his speech: why the U.S. is in Afghanistan, the long-term goals there, and how he reached his decision to send more troops.

Some say President Obama's decision is long overdue, and many in uniform are relieved to finally get what they call the needed "guidance" to move forward. News 12 talked to a South Carolina National Guardsman who knows firsthand what U.S.and coalition troops will be facing.

Lt. Col. Bill Connor has worked for the top general on the ground, General McCrystal. Connor was deployed in the Helmand Province from 2007-2008. He says he''ll be listening to what the President has to say because it is time for the focus to be put back on the troops. And if you want to know what's ahead for the 34,000 anticipated troops headed to Afghanistan, ask someone who's been there, like Connor.

"It's just a very challenging environment," says the veteran with 19 years of service. "Very hot, tough climate. When I left there in May of 2008, there were more Americans killed in Afghanistan than in Iraq, despite only having 1/5 of the troops."

Connor, an Infantryman by military branch, spent 12 months on the ground in the Helmand Province. While he was in Afghanistan he says 60% of the violence occurred in the Southern region. That area, the birthplace of the Taliban and a primary route of Al Qaeda operatives, is where thousands of coalition troops will be positioned. Connor says there's no way to sugarcoat it -- it is one of the most dangerous parts of the country.

"You can not take all the lessons learned from Iraq and apply them directly to Afghanistan. It is a very unique country, history, unique set of problems," says Connor.

Connor says he also knows personally many in uniform who have been waiting for the guidance from military leaders and the Commander in Chief. He adds that while the decision is a tough one, he says the men and women in uniform deserved to know a lot sooner.

"I really felt bad for the troops over the last 8 or 9 months while seemingly the focus was all but them. The guidance needed to be given," says Connor. "And having been there, I realize it is not as simple as the other wars we've fought before, but at the same time the troops needed the guidance. I'm glad he's giving the guidance now, but I wish he'd given it earlier."

While in Afghanistan, Connor, a respected and decorated officer, was the Joint Operations Officer and Senior American working with the United Kingdom Senior Staff. He even served with Prince Harry's unit. As for the current decision makers on the ground, he offers respect and praise.

"I have worked with Gen. McCrystal and have the utmost respect for his intelligence. He is the man on ground, and I agree with him on his assessment of the southern region. It is the decisive key to Afghanistan."

Connor, also an attorney, is a candidate for South Carolina lieutenant governor. He has written a book called "Articles from War", which is about his experiences in Afghanistan. For more information, go to his website, billconnoronline.com.