Tennessee and Kentucky families are waiting to hear the President's new strategy for Afghanistan.  The Pentagon announced Wednesday that 2,800 soldiers of the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade will be heading to Afghanistan in a few months.  And the Leaf Chronicle reports the 101st Airborne Division Command group will take charge of Afghanistan's eastern region by spring.  
 
Operation Enduring Freedom brings reality back to Middle Tennessee. Specialist Russell Hercules Jr., 22, died in Afghanistan after his guard unit was attacked. He was a native of Murfreesboro and graduated from Blackman High School in 2006. Newschannel 5 reports his body arrived early Wednesday morning in Smyrna.
 
At the White House, President Obama met with congressional leaders Tuesday.  A senior administration official says the Afghanistan options do not include either leaving, or doubling the number of troops. The meeting included 31 lawmakers and lasted 1 hour 27 minutes. The President says he will take all suggestions under consideration. Both Democrats and Republicans voiced their opinions, as Politico reports.
 
USA Today reports on opposing arguments during the meeting. Republicans agreed to endorse a new strategy with careful deliberations and encouraged strong communication with Congress.   Senator Bob Corker (R - TN), tells Newsweek he's reserving judgment on troop levels until he hears the president's overall strategy in Afghanistan.