General David Petraeus is talking to Air Force Academy cadets Thursday. That's after some words of encouragement and support to the military community Wednesday night.

A crowd of more than 1,000 gathered at the Broadmoor for the 5th Annual For the Love of our Troops military appreciation dinner. The local, non-profit, The Homefront Cares, which helps the families of service members who are deployed in harm's way, put on the event.

It was hosted by KKTV’s own Betty Sexton.

Petraeus had a simple message of thanks to groups who help military families and those who make a difference in soldiers' lives at home.

Meeting in Washington already this week with President Barack Obama regarding the next chapter in the ongoing conflicts overseas, Petraeus instead focused on the homefront.

"This is a night to recognize our troopers and more importantly a night to recognize those who look after our troopers," Petraeus said.

Before the event, six soldiers bearing the scars of battle, met Petraeus face to face.

"It was very honorable, " said Ian Newland. Newland was injured by a grenade blast and now walks with the assistance of a cane.

"He’s spot on accurate with the event being an opportunity to show the wounded soldiers and the soldiers out in the fight that people do care," Newland said.

Petraeus addressed the crowd even as more fighting is expected and more soldiers may be on their way to a battle heating up in Afghanistan.

"There is a sense the decisions are coming soon," said Petraeus.

He has more meetings this week regarding America's next step in the ongoing conflicts overseas.

General Petraeus returns to Washington DC for more top level meetings on Friday.