(RALEIGH) -- Veterans and other state residents gathered for a town hall-style meeting where they heard from some of the state's congressmen on shifting the nation's fiscal focus from supporting war to investing in communities. Among those taking part in the event in Raleigh were Congressmen David Price, Brad Miller and Walter Jones.

While some say slashing the Pentagon's budget would be a reasonable first step toward shifting the focus, Congressman Price said it will take more than that.  "This crisis we're facing in our country in terms of bringing our economy back, investing in our people is not going to be addressed or solved simply by reducing the defense budget," said Price.

Price said it will take an effort by lawmakers to realize that there should be more of an emphasis here at home.   According to the group NC Peace Action, which put on this event, the $1 million the Dept. of Defense says it costs to field one soldier in Afghanistan could hire 22 teachers and provide early childhood education to 132 kids.

Congressman Miller said it is virtually impossible these days to build a nation fiscally while at war. "It destroys our confidence. You can't make an economy work when there is violence all around it and the lack of security.  It makes governing the country very difficult," said Miller.

Congressman Jones said he had talked to more than his share of wounded soldiers and believes the toll on American lives overseas is too much for this nation to accept. "We do not understand the cost of war," said Jones. "Never again should we send our young men and women to fight unless we declare war."

Jones was very direct with his point. "Our concern is that too many times, administrations will say that the date for coming home is a year from now, 18 months from now, 24 months from now, and we the American people just accept it. "Bull! You can't trust any of them. I'm talking about both parties."

Jones said during the meeting that he "made a mistake" by supporting the initial war in Iraq.  He said he did not look hard enough at the reasons why soldiers were being sent in before voting to support the previous administration's policy.