The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
May 04, 2011

Statement by the Press Secretary on the President's Meeting with the Prince of Wales

The President welcomed His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales to the White House today, affirming the strength and depth of the alliance between the United States and the United Kingdom.  The President thanked His Royal Highness for the important contributions that British forces are making in Afghanistan and Libya.  During the meeting, President Obama warmly welcomed the Prince’s work over three decades on environmental issues, halting deforestation and encouraging sustainable food production.  The President also congratulated the Prince on the wedding of his son, Prince William, to Catherine Middleton and extended his best wishes to the newlywed couple.  The President looks forward to visiting the United Kingdom at the invitation of Her Majesty the Queen during his State visit later this month.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
May 04, 2011

President Obama Announces More Key Administra​tion Posts

WASHINGTON – Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to key Administration posts:

·         Laura A. Cordero, Member, Board of Trustees of the Harry S Truman Scholarship Foundation

·         Barbara McQuiston, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Department of Defense

·         Matthew H. Tueller, Ambassador to the State of Kuwait, Department of State

President Obama said, “I am proud that such experienced and committed individuals have agreed to serve the American people in these important roles. I look forward to working with them in the months and years ahead.”

President Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to key Administration posts:

Laura A. Cordero, Nominee for Member, Board of Trustees of the Harry S Truman Scholarship Foundation
Judge Laura A. Cordero was appointed to the District of Columbia Superior Court in 2005.  She currently serves in the Civil Division and is a member of the Judicial Education and Training Committee.  She previously served in the Family Court.  Prior to her appointment to the bench, Judge Cordero was the Executive Assistant United States Attorney for External Affairs, responsible for developing, coordinating and maintaining effective partnerships with federal and local law enforcement, government agencies and the community in the District of Columbia. In that capacity, she was responsible for coordinating an extensive community engagement network, involving a full range of community-based programs and initiatives for youth and adults specifically aimed at reducing violent crime in the District of Columbia.  Judge Cordero previously served in the Department of Justice under the Attorney General’s Honor Law Graduate Program as a Trial Attorney in the Civil Rights Division.  She has served as an English tutor for Spanish-speaking victims of domestic violence, a tutor for students at Amidon Elementary School, and a facilitator for Project Legal Enrichment and Decision-Making at Marie Reed Learning Center.  In addition, she serves as a visiting faculty member at Harvard Law School’s Trial Advocacy Workshop.  Judge Cordero earned her law degree from Harvard Law School where she served as a student attorney at the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau representing indigent clients.  She obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Mathematics from DePaul University in Chicago.

Barbara McQuiston, Nominee for Assistant Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Department of Defense
Barbara Kay McQuiston is an independent technology management consultant.  During 2010, Ms. McQuiston served as President of Trex Technology Group and Vice President of Trex Enterprises. Before joining Trex Technologies, she was with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency where her leadership positions included:  Acting Director, Defense Sciences Office; Director of the Strategic Technologies Office; and Special Assistant to the Director for Energy.  As Assistant to the Director for Energy, she supported the development of significant communications technologies, and championed the development of alternative energy programs to reduce the Department of Defense’s dependency on imported fossil fuels.  From 2000 to 2006, she was President of McQuiston and Associates, a research consultancy that worked toward the commercialization of new and emergent technologies. She was awarded the Office of Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service. Ms. McQuiston received a B.S. in Economics from the University of Phoenix.

Matthew H. Tueller, Nominee for Ambassador to the State of Kuwait, Department of State
Matthew H. Tueller, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, currently serves as Deputy Chief of Mission at Embassy Cairo.   Since joining the U.S. Foreign Service in 1985, other overseas assignments have included Political Minister Counselor at Embassy Baghdad; Deputy Chief of Mission at Embassy Kuwait; Political Counselor at Embassy Riyadh; Chief of the U.S. Office in Aden, Yemen; Deputy Chief of Mission at Embassy Doha; Political Officer at Embassy London; and Political Officer and Consular Officer at Embassy Amman.  Washington assignments have included Deputy Director in the Office of Northern Gulf Affairs and Egypt Desk Officer.   Mr. Tueller holds a B.A. from Brigham Young University and a M.P.P. from Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
May 04, 2011

Nomination​s Sent to the Senate

Dana L. Christensen, of Montana, to be United States District Judge for the District of Montana, vice Donald W. Molloy, retiring.

Christopher Droney, of Connecticut, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Second Circuit, vice Guido Calabresi, retired.

Dennis J. Erby, of Mississippi, to be United States Marshal for the Northern District of Mississippi for the term of four years, vice  Larry Wade Wagster, resigned.

Katherine B. Forrest, of New York, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York, vice Jed S. Rakoff, retired.

John M. Gerrard, of Nebraska, to be United States District Judge for the District of Nebraska, vice Richard G. Kopf, retiring.

Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of California, vice Vaughn R. Walker, retired.

Edgardo Ramos, of Connecticut, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York, vice Stephen C. Robinson, resigned.

Robert N. Scola, Jr., of Florida, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Florida, vice Paul C. Huck, retired.

Edward M. Spooner, of Florida, to be United States Marshal for the Northern District of Florida for the term of four years, vice Dennis Arthur Williamson, term expired.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
May 04, 2011

Nominations Sent to the Senate

Ryan C. Crocker, of Washington, Personal Rank of Career Ambassador, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

Anthony Frank D'Agostino, of Maryland, to be a Director of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation for a term expiring December 31, 2011, vice Mark S. Shelton, term expired.

Anthony Frank D'Agostino, of Maryland, to be a Director of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation for a term expiring December 31, 2014. (Reappointment)

Janice Eberly, of Illinois, to be an Assistant Secretary of the Treasury, vice Alan B. Krueger, resigned.

Thomas Hicks, of Virginia, to be a Member of the Election  Assistance Commission for a term expiring December 12, 2013, vice

Gracia M. Hillman, term expired. (Originally nominated on 4/12/10)

WITHDRAWAL SENT TO THE SENATE:

Ryan C. Crocker, of Washington, to be a Member of the United States Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy for a term expiring July 1, 2012, vice Penne Percy Korth, term expired, which was sent to the Senate on February 17, 2011.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
May 04, 2011

President Obama Nominates Judge Christopher Droney to Serve on United States Circuit Court

WASHINGTON- Today, President Obama nominated Judge Christopher Droney for a seat on the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.  Droney currently serves as a United States District Judge for Connecticut.  
 
“At every step of his career Judge Droney has performed with excellence and unwavering integrity,” said President Obama.  “I am confident he will serve the American people with distinction on the Circuit Court bench.”
 
Judge Christopher Droney:  Nominee for the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
Judge Christopher Droney was born and raised in West Hartford, Connecticut.  He attended the College of the Holy Cross, from which he graduated magna cum laude in 1976.  He then attended the University of Connecticut School of Law and obtained his J.D. in 1979.  While in law school, Judge Droney was the Notes and Comments Editor of the Connecticut Law Review.
 
From 1979 to 1993, Judge Droney was engaged in the private practice of law in Hartford, Connecticut, specializing in trial work.  After graduation from law school, Judge Droney worked in the Hartford office of Day, Berry & Howard (now Day Pitney LLC) as a litigation associate.  In 1981, Judge Droney joined the law department of Aetna Life & Casualty for a brief period, where he worked on investment law matters.  Following his time at Aetna, Judge Droney joined Buckley & Santos (now Buckley & Seeley, PC).  Three years later, he began working at Reid & Riege, becoming a stockholder and officer in 1987.  During this period, Judge Droney also served on the Town Council of West Hartford, as Deputy Mayor from 1983 to 1985 and as Mayor from 1985 to 1989.
 
In 1993, Judge Droney was appointed United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut.  On June 5, 1997, President Clinton nominated Judge Droney to the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut.  He was confirmed unanimously by the Senate on September 11, 1997 and has served as a United States District Judge since that time.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
May 04, 2011

President Obama Nominates Two to Serve as United States Marshals

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Obama nominated Dennis J. Erby to serve as U.S. Marshal for the Northern District of Mississippi and Edward M. Spooner to serve as U.S. Marshal for the Northern District of Florida.  

“Dennis J. Erby and Edward M. Spooner have dedicated their career to protecting their fellow citizens,” said President Obama.  “They have displayed courage and persistence in the pursuit of justice, and I am honored to nominate them today to continue their selfless work on behalf of the people of Mississippi and Florida as U.S. Marshals.”

US MARSHALS
 
Dennis J. Erby:  Nominee for United States Marshal for the Northern District of Mississippi
Dennis J. Erby currently serves as a Supplemental Compliance Monitor for the Mississippi Department of Public Safety and Planning.  He spent the majority of his law enforcement career with the Mississippi State Highway Patrol where he entered as a patrolman in 1978 and rose through the ranks to Lieutenant.  Mr. Erby served in the Mississippi National Guard from 1974 to 1980.  He holds a bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State University and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.   
 
Edward M. Spooner:  Nominee for United States Marshal for the Northern District of Florida
Edward Spooner, a life-long Florida resident, began his law enforcement career as an intern with the Florida Highway Patrol in 1973.  He served as a patrol and training officer with the Tallahassee Police Department from 1973 to 1977.  Mr. Spooner trained law enforcement officers as an instructor at the Pat Thomas Law Enforcement Academy from 1977 to 1979.  In 1979, he was named the Director of Public Safety for Quincy, Florida, a position he held until 1991.  Mr. Spooner has served on the Florida Parole Commission from 1991 to 1998, as Chief Deputy of the Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office from 1998 to 2004, and as Sheriff of Okaloosa County from 2009 to 2010.  He currently serves as an Assistant Special Agent in Charge within the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
May 04, 2011

President Obama Nominates Six Judges to United States District Courts

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, President Obama nominated Dana L. Christensen, Katherine B. Forrest, Justice John M. Gerrard, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, Edgardo Ramos, and Judge Robert N. Scola, Jr. for District Court judgeships.
 
"These individuals have demonstrated the talent, expertise, and fair-mindedness Americans expect and deserve from their judicial system," said President Barack Obama.  "I am grateful for their willingness to serve and confident that they will apply the law with the utmost impartiality and integrity."
 
Dana L. Christensen:  Nominee for the United States District Court for the District of Montana
Dana L. Christensen is a civil litigator and named partner at the firm of Christensen, Moore, Cockrell, Cummings, & Axelberg, P.C. in Kalispell, Montana, a position he has held since 1996.  From 1981 to 1996, Christensen worked as a shareholder at the law firm of Murphy, Robinson, Heckathorn & Phillips, PC, and, from 1977 to 1981, worked as an associate at the law firm of Moulton, Bellingham, Longo & Mather, PC, both of which are located in Montana.  Christensen received his J.D. in 1976 from the University of Montana School of Law and his B.A. in 1973 from Stanford University.
 
Katherine B. Forrest:  Nominee for the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York
Katherine B. Forrest is a Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., a position she has held since October 2010.  Prior to joining the Department of Justice, she worked at the law firm of Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP in New York, handling an array of commercial litigation with a particular focus on antitrust, copyright, and digital media.  Forrest worked at Cravath beginning in 1990, becoming a partner at the law firm in 1998.  She received her J.D. in 1990 from the New York University School of Law and her B.A., with honors, from Wesleyan University in 1986.
 
Justice John M. Gerrard:  Nominee for the United States District Court for the District of Nebraska
Justice John M. Gerrard has been a Justice of the Nebraska Supreme Court, the highest court of the state, since 1995.  Prior to his appointment to the bench, Justice Gerrard was a senior partner at the law firm of Gerrard, Stratton & Ptak, PC, for five years.  From 1982 to 1990, Justice Gerrard was a partner at Domina, Gerrard, Copple & Stratton, PC, and from 1981 to 1982, he was a litigation associate at Jewell, Otte, Gatz, Collins & Domina.  Justice Gerrard received his J.D. in 1981 from the Pacific McGeorge School of Law, his M.P.A. in 1977 from the University of Arizona, and his B.S. in 1976 from Nebraska Wesleyan University.
 
Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers:  Nominee for the United States District Court for the Northern District of California
Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers is a Superior Court Judge in Alameda County, California, where she has served since 2008.  Prior to being appointed to the bench, Judge Gonzalez Rogers served Alameda County as a pro tem judge from 2007 to 2008 and as a member of the civil grand jury from 2005 to 2007, serving as foreperson from 2006 to 2007.  Previously, she worked as a litigator in private practice at the law firm of Cooley Godward LLP (now Cooley LLP) in San Francisco from 1991 to 2003, where she was an equity partner from 1999 to 2001.  Judge Gonzalez Rogers received her J.D. in 1991 from the University of Texas School of Law and her A.B., cum laude, in 1987 from Princeton University.
 
Edgardo Ramos:  Nominee for the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York
Edgardo Ramos has been a partner with the law firm Day Pitney LLP since 2002.  He also serves as a Commissioner on the New York City Commission to Combat Police Corruption, an appointment he has held since 2003.   Prior to joining Day Pitney, Ramos served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Eastern District of New York from 1992 to 2002.  From 1987 to 1992, Ramos worked in private practice as an associate with Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP.  Ramos received his J.D. in 1987 from Harvard Law School and his B.A. in 1982 from Yale College.   
 
Judge Robert N. Scola, Jr.:  Nominee for the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida
Judge Robert N. Scola, Jr. serves as a Judge on Florida’s Eleventh Judicial Circuit, where he has presided over criminal, civil, and family law matters since 1995.  Prior to joining the bench, he spent a decade in private practice as both a sole practitioner and, from 1992 to 1993, at the law firm of Quinon, Strafer & Scola, as a criminal defense attorney representing a wide range of defendants in both state and federal courts.  Judge Scola began his law practice at the Miami-Dade Office of the State Attorney, where he worked from 1980 to 1986.  He received his J.D., cum laude, in 1980 from Boston College Law School and his B.A. in 1977 from Brown University.

"Our Obligations to Each Other As Americans": President Obama Welcomes the Wounded Warrior Project's Soldier Ride

PWiley
May 04, 2011
05:35 PM EDT

Watch the President's full remarks here.

This afternoon, the South Lawn of the White House was full of veterans, military families, and their bicycles, as the Wounded Warrior Project's Soldier Ride came to the White House. The Soldier Ride started as a way to help wounded soldiers recover from their injuries through adaptive cycling. Nearly a decade later, the program has expanded to involve civilians as well, raising money for and promoting the cause of America's wounded warriors.

In welcoming the riders, President Obama said a few words about the beginnings of the Soldier Ride effort:

Today is a reminder -- as Michelle and Jill Biden have already said -- that every American, every single person in this country, can do something to support our remarkable troops and their families. Everybody can do something.

So seven years ago, a bartender from Long Island had the same idea. He wasn’t from a military family. He had never served in the military.  But he knew that he owed our military something. He was just an ordinary American who was grateful for the service of all those who wear the uniform. And he said, “I just wanted to give something back.”

So he jumped on his bike and rode across the country -- over 5,000 miles -- to raise funds and awareness for our wounded warriors. Today, there are Soldier Rides all across America giving our wounded warriors the confidence and support they need to recover. That’s the difference a single person can make. Today we want to thank Chris Carney and everyone from the Wounded Warrior Project for reminding us of our obligations to each other as Americans.

Related Topics: Defense, Disabilities, Service, Veterans

Wounded Warrior Project’s Soldier Ride

May 04, 2011 | 10:24 | Public Domain

President Obama kicks off the Wounded Warriors Project’s Soldier Ride on the South Lawn of the White House. The Soldier Ride brings opportunities for wounded soldiers to come together through cycling.

Download mp4 (99MB) | mp3 (10MB)

Read the Transcript

Remarks by the President Welcoming the Wounded Warrior Project's Soldier Ride

3:18 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  (Applause.)  Good afternoon, everybody.  Welcome to the White House.  Thank you, Tammy, for the kind introduction, but more importantly, for your extraordinary service to our country in Iraq, in Illinois, and now as Assistant Secretary of the VA, where you’re a champion for your fellow wounded warriors.  God bless you.  We are so thankful for Tammy Duckworth.  Give her a big round of applause.  (Applause.)

I was proud to kick off this Soldier Ride two years ago.  I’m just as thrilled to be kicking it off today.  I’m pleased that we’re joined by a number of members of Congress here.  The sun is coming out just as we start.  We’re also joined by the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and one of my top advisors over the last several years.  I couldn’t be more grateful to him -- General Jim “Hoss” Cartwright.  Please give him a big round of applause.  (Applause.)

Now, this is one of the most inspiring events that we do at the White House.  We’re joined by folks from every service.  We’ve got Army.  (Hooah!)  We’ve got some Navy folks.  (Applause.)  We’ve got Air Force.  (Applause.)  You know we’ve got some Marines.  (Oorah!)  And we’ve got some Coast Guard.  (Applause.)  And just as importantly, we are joined by those who serve and sacrifice alongside you, and that is all our outstanding military families.  (Applause.)

Now, you’ve all got your gear on.  You’re on your bikes.  You all look pretty sharp.

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Thank you, sir.

THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  (Laughter.)   You’re ready to go.  So I’m not going to hold you back too long here with a long speech.  But it is important to remember what this day is about.

Today is a reminder -- as Michelle and Jill Biden have already said -- that every American, every single person in this country, can do something to support our remarkable troops and their families.  Everybody can do something.

So seven years ago, a bartender from Long Island had the same idea.  He wasn’t from a military family.  He had never served in the military.  But he knew that he owed our military something.  He was just an ordinary American who was grateful for the service of all those who wear the uniform.  And he said, “I just wanted to give something back.”

So he jumped on his bike and rode across the country -- over 5,000 miles -- to raise funds and awareness for our wounded warriors.  Today, there are Soldier Rides all across America giving our wounded warriors the confidence and support they need to recover.  That’s the difference a single person can make.  Today we want to thank Chris Carney and everyone from the Wounded Warrior Project for reminding us of our obligations to each other as Americans.  Give them a big round of applause.  (Applause.)

And today is also a tribute to all of you -- a generation that has written your own extraordinary chapter in the American story.  Our nation has been at war now for nearly 10 years.  Tour after tour, year after year, you’ve done your duty.  You’ve met every challenge, from the deserts of Iraq to the mountains of Afghanistan.  You’ve risked everything.  And you’ve carried in your hearts the memory of fallen heroes who gave everything.

You’ve earned your place among the greatest of generation of Americans.  And we saw that again this past weekend when -- thanks to the courage and precision of our forces -- the terrorist who started this war and who took so many innocent lives learned that America does not forget; America will ensure that justice is done.  (Applause.)

Of course, for our riders here today, coming home from war marked the beginning of another battle -- the battle to recover.  To stand again.  To walk again.  To relearn, in some cases, the simple things that are the true pleasures of life -- dancing with your spouse, or holding your children.  In many ways, this might have been the toughest battle they’ve ever fought.  

But I want all of you to know something.  You inspire me.  You inspire everybody here.  Michelle and I treasure the moments that we’ve had with some of you and your families.

Corporal Nickolas Edinger is here.  Where’s Nickolas?  Right there, right in the middle.  He was one of our special guests when Michelle and I hosted a recent dinner for military leaders at the White House.  He was serving in Afghanistan when an IED blast cost him one of his legs.  But he’s here today as part of his journey to recovery.  And I want to just welcome Nickolas back.

Private First Class Corey Kent.  Where’s Corey?  Corey is right there.  I met Corey during one of my visits to Walter Reed last year.  And it was my honor to pin a Purple Heart on him.  He’s lost both legs.  But he’s working hard to recover, and he’s here today, ready to ride.  So Corey, you are an inspiration.

Ted Wade is here.  Ted, where are you?  Right there.  After sustaining multiple injuries in Iraq, Ted’s doctors did not think he would survive.  But he persevered.  He pulled through.  And I was honored that Ted and his wife Sarah joined us last year when I signed legislation for veterans and caregivers.  I’m pleased that Ted and Sarah are back with us again today because I can report that starting next week, our veterans, wounded warriors and caregivers can start applying for the support that you need and deserve.  We are going to get this done, and we’re very proud of that.  (Applause.)

Now, Sarah once said of Ted, “Just like he needed a team in the military to accomplish the mission, he needs a team at home for the longer war.”  And so I say to all of you today, we’re going to keep building that team that you need for recovery.  We’re determined to take care of you as well as you’ve taken care of us.

So to all the riders here today, I want to say, as your Commander-in-Chief and as an American, thank you.  We are grateful for you.  You represent the very best in America.  And in your fight to recover and in the ride that you’re about to begin, we see the values and virtues that make our country great.

We may take a hit.  We may endure great loss.  But we are a strong and resilient people.  We push on.  We persevere.  We’re confident in our cause.  And we know that, like generations of Americans before us, we will emerge stronger than before.

So God bless you all.  God bless the United States of America.  And with that, let’s get this thing started.  I think I’ve got a horn.  (Applause.)

END
3:26 P.M. EDT

Close Transcript

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
May 04, 2011

Remarks by the President Welcoming the Wounded Warrior Project's Soldier Ride

South Lawn

3:18 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  (Applause.)  Good afternoon, everybody.  Welcome to the White House.  Thank you, Tammy, for the kind introduction, but more importantly, for your extraordinary service to our country in Iraq, in Illinois, and now as Assistant Secretary of the VA, where you’re a champion for your fellow wounded warriors.  God bless you.  We are so thankful for Tammy Duckworth.  Give her a big round of applause.  (Applause.)

I was proud to kick off this Soldier Ride two years ago.  I’m just as thrilled to be kicking it off today.  I’m pleased that we’re joined by a number of members of Congress here.  The sun is coming out just as we start.  We’re also joined by the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and one of my top advisors over the last several years.  I couldn’t be more grateful to him -- General Jim “Hoss” Cartwright.  Please give him a big round of applause.  (Applause.)

Now, this is one of the most inspiring events that we do at the White House.  We’re joined by folks from every service.  We’ve got Army.  (Hooah!)  We’ve got some Navy folks.  (Applause.)  We’ve got Air Force.  (Applause.)  You know we’ve got some Marines.  (Oorah!)  And we’ve got some Coast Guard.  (Applause.)  And just as importantly, we are joined by those who serve and sacrifice alongside you, and that is all our outstanding military families.  (Applause.)

Now, you’ve all got your gear on.  You’re on your bikes.  You all look pretty sharp.

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  Thank you, sir.

THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  (Laughter.)   You’re ready to go.  So I’m not going to hold you back too long here with a long speech.  But it is important to remember what this day is about.

Today is a reminder -- as Michelle and Jill Biden have already said -- that every American, every single person in this country, can do something to support our remarkable troops and their families.  Everybody can do something.

So seven years ago, a bartender from Long Island had the same idea.  He wasn’t from a military family.  He had never served in the military.  But he knew that he owed our military something.  He was just an ordinary American who was grateful for the service of all those who wear the uniform.  And he said, “I just wanted to give something back.”

So he jumped on his bike and rode across the country -- over 5,000 miles -- to raise funds and awareness for our wounded warriors.  Today, there are Soldier Rides all across America giving our wounded warriors the confidence and support they need to recover.  That’s the difference a single person can make.  Today we want to thank Chris Carney and everyone from the Wounded Warrior Project for reminding us of our obligations to each other as Americans.  Give them a big round of applause.  (Applause.)

And today is also a tribute to all of you -- a generation that has written your own extraordinary chapter in the American story.  Our nation has been at war now for nearly 10 years.  Tour after tour, year after year, you’ve done your duty.  You’ve met every challenge, from the deserts of Iraq to the mountains of Afghanistan.  You’ve risked everything.  And you’ve carried in your hearts the memory of fallen heroes who gave everything.

You’ve earned your place among the greatest of generation of Americans.  And we saw that again this past weekend when -- thanks to the courage and precision of our forces -- the terrorist who started this war and who took so many innocent lives learned that America does not forget; America will ensure that justice is done.  (Applause.)

Of course, for our riders here today, coming home from war marked the beginning of another battle -- the battle to recover.  To stand again.  To walk again.  To relearn, in some cases, the simple things that are the true pleasures of life -- dancing with your spouse, or holding your children.  In many ways, this might have been the toughest battle they’ve ever fought.  

But I want all of you to know something.  You inspire me.  You inspire everybody here.  Michelle and I treasure the moments that we’ve had with some of you and your families.

Corporal Nickolas Edinger is here.  Where’s Nickolas?  Right there, right in the middle.  He was one of our special guests when Michelle and I hosted a recent dinner for military leaders at the White House.  He was serving in Afghanistan when an IED blast cost him one of his legs.  But he’s here today as part of his journey to recovery.  And I want to just welcome Nickolas back.

Private First Class Corey Kent.  Where’s Corey?  Corey is right there.  I met Corey during one of my visits to Walter Reed last year.  And it was my honor to pin a Purple Heart on him.  He’s lost both legs.  But he’s working hard to recover, and he’s here today, ready to ride.  So Corey, you are an inspiration.

Ted Wade is here.  Ted, where are you?  Right there.  After sustaining multiple injuries in Iraq, Ted’s doctors did not think he would survive.  But he persevered.  He pulled through.  And I was honored that Ted and his wife Sarah joined us last year when I signed legislation for veterans and caregivers.  I’m pleased that Ted and Sarah are back with us again today because I can report that starting next week, our veterans, wounded warriors and caregivers can start applying for the support that you need and deserve.  We are going to get this done, and we’re very proud of that.  (Applause.)

Now, Sarah once said of Ted, “Just like he needed a team in the military to accomplish the mission, he needs a team at home for the longer war.”  And so I say to all of you today, we’re going to keep building that team that you need for recovery.  We’re determined to take care of you as well as you’ve taken care of us.

So to all the riders here today, I want to say, as your Commander-in-Chief and as an American, thank you.  We are grateful for you.  You represent the very best in America.  And in your fight to recover and in the ride that you’re about to begin, we see the values and virtues that make our country great.

We may take a hit.  We may endure great loss.  But we are a strong and resilient people.  We push on.  We persevere.  We’re confident in our cause.  And we know that, like generations of Americans before us, we will emerge stronger than before.

So God bless you all.  God bless the United States of America.  And with that, let’s get this thing started.  I think I’ve got a horn.  (Applause.)

END
3:26 P.M. EDT