Defense Secretary and Monterey Native Leon Panetta Overseas - Central Coast News KION/KCBA

PAKTIKA PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Defense Secretary and Monterey Native, Leon Panetta, is overseas this week wishing our troops happy holidays.

During his trip to Afghanistan, he said this year marked a big turning point for the country, with troops reducing the levels of violence to their lowest point in nearly five years.

While in town, Panetta is expected to meet with Afghan officials, including President Hamid Karzai. His overseas trip also includes stops in Djibouti, Iraq, Turkey and Libya.