nine years ago, i was at ranger school for thanksgiving, six years ago, it was mehtar lam, afghanistan. while we deeply missed our own families, we also celebrated together as a second, surrogate family. as you see the empty seat at your table this thanksgiving, please know that your sons and daughters, husbands and wives, moms and dads miss you dearly, but are enjoying the next best thing to home -- the camaraderie and love of their brothers and sisters in arms. god bless them, god bless you, and may god continue to bless the united states of america. >> on the next washington journal, washington post columnist is gus's president obama's remaining two years in office as a key political debates between the two parties. the weekly standard online editor examines the republican agenda for the 114th congress and the party's next steps on immigration. stillwell -- and victoria stillwell looks at the economy. you can join the conversation at facebook and twitter. "washington journal" on c-span. >> on newsmakers, we hear from rajiv shah. he talks about the agency's mission in combating pover