(FAYETTEVILLE) -- President Barack Obama is visiting North Carolina on Wednesday has he pays tribute to U.S. troops and their efforts and sacrifice during the long war in Iraq. The U.S. Military effort in Iraq is just days away from officially ending.

The First Lady and the Prime Minister of Iraq are also traveling with the President. Gov. Bev Perdue is also expected to attend the event.

Obama ordered all U.S. troops out of Iraq by Dec. 31.