WELLESLEY, Mass. -- President George W. Bush announced Thursday that the tours of duty for American military will be reduced from 15 to 12 months. A local soldier who was wounded in Iraq praised the decision.

Soldier Supports Shorter Tours

Wellesley's Sean Bannon came home this week after being injured in Iraq.

"I agree with why we are there. I think the Iraqi people do need our help because they are afraid to stand up against the insurgents because they have no way to defend themselves," he said.

Bannon's legs were shattered two months ago in Iraq.

"To ease the burden on our troops and families, I have directed the secretary of defense to reduce deployment length from 15 months to 12 months," Bush announced Thursday.

"It is good for morale. You know, 15 months is hard. Especially for my division, we deployed right before Christmas, so we end up missing two Christmases because we don't come back until next January. That is hard," Bannon said.

The shortened deployment times does not apply to troops already in Iraq.

"I agree with not drawing down the number of troops, keeping it where it is because the more guys we have over there, you know, the more things we can do," Bannon said.

"These kids are in harm's way, and that is hard as a mom. That is the toughest thing -- just getting through your day back home knowing they are in harm's way," said Maureen McGovern, Bannon's mother.

McGovern said in her heart she wants the troops home, but in her mind she knows it is not that simple.

"Even though I am not thrilled with this war, I think it is a smart thing because they are doing good things. Things need to be fixed right now before they can do that," she said.

The Massachusetts National Guard said they have 939 men and women serving in active duty in Iraq and Afghanistan.