In November 2004, more than 200 million people were eligible to vote in the presidential election... but almost 40% of them stayed home.

That nearly 80 million people didn't make it to the polls that day was a special punch in the gut to my friends and me, because we were watching the election results from deep within Iraq's Sunni Triangle. Some Americans heard political commentary that night -- we heard mortar fire.

Just like in 2004, your vote today will affect the lives of every man and woman serving on the ground in Iraq or Afghanistan. Your choices will determine how long we fight in Iraq, what kind of equipment we have on the ground, and what treatment we receive when we get home.

This week, you can make your voice heard.

Our country is at war. A 60% voter turnout isn't good enough. Please vote today, and remind your friends and family to make it to the polls.