President Barack Obama's trip to Fort Bliss was brief, but he had a big message for troops.

Soldiers told KFOX14 what they really thought about the speech.

Soldiers said the atmosphere on post was electrifying, but beyond all the excitement that comes with a presidential visit, soldiers said they really took the message from the commander in chief to heart.

Soldiers and military families said they were happy to hear Obama promise he's making the mental health of soldiers and veterans a priority.

Many families said soldiers need access to resources to help them deal with things like post-traumatic stress syndrome and depression, especially when they return from combat.

They added that it didn't sound like a campaign speech and were very encouraged by his continued support of the military.

"We have a lot of wounded that are coming back with different behavior issues as well as body issues, and that's a concern for us and for him to make it a priority; it's excellent. As a former commander and an officer, we want our soldiers in tip-top shape," said Major Margie Abraham.

Soldiers also said it was good to hear the president reiterate his intentions to pull troops out of Afghanistan by 2014.