The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
September 01, 2012

Remarks by the President at Campaign Event

Morningside College, Sioux City, Iowa

5:40 P.M. CDT


     THE PRESIDENT:  How's it going, Iowa?  (Applause.)  It is good to be back in Sioux City!  (Applause.)

Please give Rob a big round of applause for that great introduction.  (Applause.)  It's good to be with my outstanding Secretary of Agriculture, your former governor, Tom Vilsack.  (Applause.)  It is great to see your Mayor, Bob Scott.  (Applause.)  And it is great to see all of you.  (Applause.)  

And the only thing that I'm not going to do, though, is get in the middle of an argument between Hawkeye and Huskers fans.  (Laughter.)  I'm not going to go there. 

Now, Iowa is our first stop this week on the road to our convention in Charlotte, North Carolina.  (Applause.)  And it was important for me to begin that journey right here in Iowa because this is where it all began for us four years ago -- right here in Iowa.  (Applause.)  Because it was you, Iowa, who kept us going when all the pundits had written us off.  It was in your living rooms and backyards and VFW halls and diners where our movement for change began.  And it will be you, Iowa, who is going to make all the difference in the world in this upcoming election.  (Applause.)

Now, last week, the other party, they gave their pitch at the convention in Florida.

AUDIENCE:  Booo --

THE PRESIDENT:  Don't boo -- vote.  (Applause.)

I've got to say, that convention, it was something.  (Laughter.)  Despite all the challenges that we face in this new century, what they offered over their three days was an agenda that was probably a little better suited for the last century.  (Applause.)  They were going so far backwards you might as well have watched it on black-and-white TV.  (Laughter and applause.) Put some rabbit ears on the convention hall.  (Applause.)  

Now, in case you didn’t DVR it, let me give you a simple recap:  The economy is not where it needs to be, and it’s Obama’s fault, and only Mitt Romney knows the secret to creating jobs and growing the economy. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo --

THE PRESIDENT:  And there was a lot of talk about speaking "hard truths" and making "bold choices," but the interesting thing was nobody ever bothered throughout the three days to tell you what these tough choices were going to be.  They didn’t really explain what they were going to do.

When Governor Romney had his chance to let you in on his secret sauce -- (laughter) -- he didn’t offer you a single new idea.  It was just a retread of the same old policies that have been sticking it to the middle class for years.  (Applause.)  

So you heard them talk a lot about me.  You heard them talk a lot about Mitt.  They didn’t talk a lot about you.  They didn’t talk about the challenges you face and how we could actually solve some of these challenges.  They spent less time talking about their plan than just about anything else.  Not just because they know you don’t like it -- now, the truth is if I had their plan I probably wouldn't talk about it a lot either.  (Laughter and applause.)  And they know you're not going to buy it because we’ve tried it, you saw what happened, you lived through it and you don't want to repeat it.  (Applause.)

We know that making the middle class, for example, pay for another budget-busting $250,000 tax cut for folks making $3 million a year or more is not going to translate into jobs and prosperity for working families all across Sioux City.  We know that.  (Applause.) 

We know that families aren’t going to be better off if we roll back financial reform that's there to prevent another financial crisis.  We know we're not going to be better off if suddenly we roll back the protections for our air and our water, and protections to make sure that if you get sick there's going to be health care there for you. 

We’re sure not going to be better off if suddenly, instead of having Medicare that you can count on, we've got some sort of voucher program that Mr. Romney and Mr. Ryan are proposing that leaves seniors to pay any additional costs out of their own pocket. 

AUDIENCE:  Booo --

THE PRESIDENT:  They have been trying to sell us these tired, trickle-down, you’re-on-your-own policies before.  They did not work.  They didn’t work then, they won't work now.  They won’t create jobs.  They won't lower our deficit.  They're not going to strengthen the middle class.  They're not a plan to move our country forward. 

We believe in something better.  (Applause.)  We believe in an America that says our economic strength has never come from the top down; it comes from the middle out and the bottom up.  (Applause.)  It comes from students and workers and small business people, and a growing, thriving middle class.  That's what built this country.  (Applause.)

We believe in an America that doesn’t let how much money you’ve got determine whether or not you can afford good health care, or send your kids to get a good higher education.  (Applause.)

We believe in an America that maintains the strongest, most disciplined, most effective military in the history of the world, but that we also lead with the strength of our ideas and the power of our example.  And we believe in an America where no matter who you are, or what you look like, or where you come from or who you love -- you can pursue your own happiness, and you can make it if you try.  That's what we believe here in America.  (Applause.)

That’s what these last four years have been about.  That’s what this campaign is about.  And that’s why I’m running for a second term as President of the United States of America.  (Applause.)

AUDIENCE:  Four more years!  Four more years!  Four more years!  Four more years!
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Now, on Thursday night -- this coming Thursday night -- not last Thursday night -- (laughter) -- this coming Thursday night, I will offer you what I believe is a better path forward -- a path that will grow this economy and create more good jobs, and strengthen our middle class, and create ladders for everybody who is willing to work hard to get into the middle class.  And the good news is you're going to get to choose which path we take.

You can go with what you heard last Thursday.

AUDIENCE:  No!

THE PRESIDENT:  You can choose their plan to give massive new tax cuts to folks who've already made it.  Or you can go with my plan, which is to keep the tax cuts on every American who is still trying to make it.  (Applause.) 

Back in 2008, I promised to cut taxes for middle-class families.  And I've cut taxes by a total of about $3,600 for the typical family.  And now I’m running to make sure that taxes aren’t raised a single dime on your family’s first $250,000 of income -- which, by the way, means for 98 percent of Americans and 97 percent of small businesses, they won't see their income taxes go up.  (Applause.)  That's my path.  That's a different choice than where these other guys want to go.    

You can choose whether we give up new jobs and new industries to China and India and Germany and other countries, or whether we fight to keep those jobs here in Iowa.  (Applause.)  My opponent’s experience -- he likes to talk about his private sector experience -- well, a lot of it was investing in companies that were called "pioneers" in the business of outsourcing jobs. I don't believe in outsourcing.  I believe in insourcing.  (Applause.) 

When the America auto industry was about to go under, he said, "let Detroit go bankrupt."

AUDIENCE:  Booo --

THE PRESIDENT:  I bet on American workers and American manufacturing, which is why the American auto industry has come roaring back.  (Applause.) 

I want to stop giving tax breaks to companies that are shipping jobs overseas.  I want to start rewarding companies that are creating jobs right here in Sioux City, right here in Iowa, right here in the United States of America.  That's the path I want to travel on.  (Applause.)

And at a moment when homegrown energy is creating new jobs all across this state and other states across the Midwest, my opponent would put those jobs at risk -- the jobs that Rob was talking about -- he'd put them at risk by ending tax credits for wind energy producers. 

Rob told you, he said these new sources of energy are "imaginary."  And Mr. Ryan called them a "fad."
You just saw Rob.  He looks pretty real to me.  (Laughter.)   I wasn't imagining him up here talking, was I?  (Laughter.)  He has been in the wind energy business for nearly 20 years.  He and his wife Tara now have 27 employees.  Nearly 7,000 jobs in Iowa depend on the wind industry.  (Applause.)  These jobs aren’t fads; they’re our future.  (Applause.)

It's time to stop giving a $4 billion taxpayer subsidy to oil companies that are making money every time you go to the pump.  (Applause.)  And let's give some tax breaks to wind energy and homegrown energy and biofuels that are creating jobs right here in Iowa.  That's the choice in this election.  That's what we're fighting for.  (Applause.)

We've got a different view when it comes to higher education.  We're at a great small college here in Iowa.  (Applause.)  Well, a young person asked my opponent, hoping to go to college, how he could help.  He said, you know what, borrow money from your parents.  (Laughter.)  That's not an answer.  That's not -- I guess it is an answer; it's not a good answer -- (laughter) -- to young people who are hoping to go to college or start a business.

My view is America has to lead once again when it comes to educating our kids and training our workers for the jobs of tomorrow.  (Applause.)  So let’s help more young people afford the kind of education they can get here at Morningside.  (Applause.)  Let’s help more young people and some not-so-young people go to community colleges, and get trained in the skills that employers are looking for right now.  (Applause.) 

We created a tax credit for middle-class families trying to send their kids to college -- up to $10,000 over four years in college tuition -- because I believe that in America, higher education is no longer a luxury.  It's a necessity that every family should be able to afford.  (Applause.)  That's the path we should be following. 

And you know what, it is up to you whether we go back to a health care system that lets insurance companies decide who to cover, when to cover it, whether they can drop you of your coverage whenever you need it most, or whether we keep moving forward with a law that is already cutting costs and covering more people and saving lives.  (Applause.)  They call it Obamacare.  I like that name, because I do care.  (Applause.)  I care about all the people that are being helped, all the folks who are going to be helped. 

And maybe they want to run on their "don't care" plan.  But because of this law, nearly 7 million young people are able to stay on their parent's plans.  Your grandparents are saving money on their medicine.  Women have gained access to preventive care like mammograms and contraception.  (Applause.)  We don't need to refight the battles of the last four years.  We need to go forward.  (Applause.)  We need to go forward.

Now, this November, you get to decide the future of this war in Afghanistan.  Governor Romney had nothing to say about Afghanistan last week -- didn't mention it, didn't offer a plan in terms of how he might end the war or if he's not going to end it.  He's got to let the American people know -- because by the end of this month, we will have brought 33,000 of our troops home.  (Applause.)

When I ended the war in Iraq, he said it was "tragic."  But you know what, I promised I was going to end that war -- and we did.  (Applause.)  I said we’d take out al Qaeda and go after bin Laden -- and we did.  (Applause.)  I put forward a specific plan to bring our troops home from Afghanistan by the end of 2014.  We are in the process of doing that right now.  And when I say I'm going to bring them home, you know they're going to come home.  (Applause.)

And as long as I am Commander-in-Chief, when they get home, they know that we will serve our veterans as well as they’ve served us, because nobody who fights for this country should have to fight for a job or a roof over their heads, or decent health care when they come home.  (Applause.)  That's a promise we will keep.  

On issue after issue, Governor Romney and Congressman Ryan, they're going to take us backwards.  The story of America is going forward.  That's what we do.  We go forward.  (Applause.) 

You will have the opportunity in two months to choose a path that will lead us to a better future.  But I have to tell you over the next two months the other side will spend more money than we have ever seen in our lifetimes.  And it's basically the same thing they said a few nights ago -- the economy is doing bad, it's Obama's fault.  They won't tell you their plan because they know their plan won't work.  Go figure that raising taxes on middle-class families to pay for a tax cut for me and Mr. Romney is not going to fly too well. 

So what they're counting on is if they can just feed enough negative information out there, you will get so discouraged that at some point you'll decide your vote doesn’t matter, that you can't compete with the $10 million checks from wealthy donors.

But you know what, I'm counting on something different.  I'm counting on you.  I need your help.  (Applause.)   I need your help Sioux City.  I need your help, Iowa.  (Applause.) 

First of all, if you're not already registered, I need you to register to vote.  Young people who are in the audience -- you know who you are -- you need to go to GottaRegister.com.  Now, that is not "got to," it's "gotta" -- g-o-t-t-a register.com.  Make sure you register to vote.  Then you can go to GottaVote.com -- that's not "got to" vote, "gotta" vote -- to find out how to cast your ballot early.  Because in Iowa you don’t have to wait until November 6th to vote.  You can be among the first to vote in this election, starting on September 27th.  (Applause.)  So that’s GottaRegister and that's GottaVote.

And the reason you've got to register and you've got to vote is because we've got more work to do.  (Applause.)  We've got more good jobs to create.  We’ve got more homegrown energy to generate.  We’ve got more young people to send to great colleges like this one.  We’ve got more great teachers we've got to hire. (Applause.)  We’ve got more good schools that we've got to build. We’ve got more troops we've got to bring home.  We've got more veterans we got to take care of.  (Applause.)  We’ve got more doors of opportunity that we have to open to every single American that's willing to work through them.  (Applause.)  And we have come too far to turn back now.  (Applause.)

That’s why I’m asking for your vote.  That's why I'm working for a second term.  (Applause.)  And if you are willing to stand with me and work with me and make phone calls with me and knock on some doors with me -- if you’re willing to vote for me this November, we're going to win Woodbury County.  (Applause.)  We will win the state of Iowa.  We will win this election.  We will finish what we started, and we'll remind the world why the United States of America is the greatest nation on Earth.

God bless you.  And God bless the United States of America.

                             END             6:02 P.M. CDT

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
September 01, 2012

Remarks by the President at Campaign Event

Living History Farms, Urbandale, Iowa

1:35 P.M. CDT


     THE PRESIDENT:  Hello, Iowa!  (Applause.)  Oh, it is good to be back in Iowa!  (Applause.)

     AUDIENCE MEMBER:  We love you, Mr. President!

     THE PRESIDENT:  I love you back.  That's why I'm back.  (Applause.)  Oh, this is a great crowd. 

     It's good to see my outstanding friends -- Tom Harkin in the house.  (Applause.)  Leonard Boswell.  (Applause.)  Tom Miller.  (Applause.)  And can everybody please give Lucas a big round of applause -- not just for the introduction, but for his service to our country.  (Applause.)

And it is great to see all of you.  (Applause.)  We've got a spectacular day.  College football is in the air.  (Applause.)   We will try to get you home in time to see the Hawkeyes and the Cyclones.  I know we've got kickoff later.  (Laughter.)  And although you guys got to see the Nationals and Chris Cornell perform before I got here -- (applause) -- I just want you to know that I could not appreciate them performing -- I could not appreciate more them performing for us.  So please give them a big round of applause as well.  (Applause.)

Now, Iowa, this is our first stop on the road to our convention in Charlotte, North Carolina.  (Applause.)  But there was a reason for me to begin the journey right here in Iowa, where it first began more than four years ago.  (Applause.)  Because it was you, Iowa, who kept us going when the pundits were writing us off.  It was in your living rooms and backyards and VFW halls and diners where our movement for change began.  And it will be you, Iowa, who choose the path we take from here.  (Applause.)

Now, last week, the other party gave you their pitch at the convention down in Florida.

AUDIENCE:  Booo --

THE PRESIDENT:  Don't boo -- vote.  (Applause.)

It was something to behold.  Despite all the challenges that we face in this new century, what they offered over those three days was more often than not an agenda that was better suited for the last century.  It was a rerun.  We’d seen it before.  You might as well have watched it on a black-and-white TV.  (Laughter.)   

If you didn’t DVR it, let me recap it for you.  (Laughter.) Everything is bad, it’s Obama’s fault -- (laughter) -- and Governor Romney is the only one who knows the secret to creating jobs and growing the economy.  That was the pitch.  There was a lot of talk about hard truths and bold choices, but nobody ever actually bothered to tell you what they were.  (Laughter.)

And when Governor Romney had his chance to let you in on his secret, he did not offer a single new idea, just retreads of the same old policies that have been sticking it to the middle class for years.  They talked a lot about me.  They talked a lot about him.  But they didn’t say much about you.  (Applause.)  And they spent even less time talking about what they planned to do -- not just because they know you won't like it, but because you've lived through it and you can't afford to repeat it.  (Applause.)

See, it turns out that we don't think making the middle class pay for another budget-busting $250,000 tax cut for folks making $3 million a year or more will magically translate into jobs and prosperity for everybody else.  We don’t think families will be better off if we undo financial reforms that are there to prevent another financial crisis, or rules that are there to protect our air and our water, protections to make sure your health care is there for you when you get sick.  (Applause.)  We really don’t think the best way to strengthen Medicare is to give seniors a voucher that leaves them to pay any additional costs out of their own pockets.
 
Iowa, they have tried to sell us these tired, trickle-down, you’re-on-your-own policies before.  They did not work.  They’ve never worked.  They won’t create jobs.  They won't cut our deficit.  They will not strengthen our middle class.  They are not a plan to move our country forward.  (Applause.)  

We believe in something better.  We believe in an America that says our economic strength has never come from the top down. It comes from the bottom up.  (Applause.)  It comes from the middle out.  It comes from students and workers and small business owners, and a growing, thriving middle class.  That's what we believe.  (Applause.)

We believe in an America that doesn’t let how much money you’ve got determine whether or not you can afford good health care or get a higher education.  (Applause.)  We believe in an America that leads not just by the force of our military, but also with the strength of our ideals and the power of our example.  (Applause.)  We believe in an America where no matter who you are, no matter what you look like, no matter where you come from, no matter who you love, you can pursue your own happiness and you can make it if you try.  (Applause.)

AUDIENCE:  Four more years!  Four more years!  Four more years!

THE PRESIDENT:  That’s what the last four years have been about, Iowa.  And that’s what this campaign is about.  And that’s why I’m running for a second term as President of the United States.  (Applause.)
 
Now, this Thursday night, I will offer you what I believe is a better path forward -- a path that grows this economy, creates more good jobs, strengthens the middle class.  And the good news is you get to choose which path we take.  We can take their path or we can take the path that I'm going to present.  (Applause.) 

We can choose whether we give massive new tax cuts to folks who've already made it, or whether we keep the tax cuts for every American who’s still trying to make it.  (Applause.)  I have cut taxes by a total of about $3,600 for the typical family.  (Applause.)  And I’m now running to make sure that taxes aren’t raised a dime on your family’s first $250,000 of income.  (Applause.) 

That's the path forward.  But you're going to have to choose it.  It will be up to you.  You can choose whether we cede new jobs and new industries to countries like China and India or Germany, or whether we fight for those jobs in states like Iowa. (Applause.) 

My opponent’s experience -- he likes to talk about it -- has been investing in companies that often were called "pioneers" in the business of outsourcing jobs.  And when his advice was to "let Detroit go bankrupt," I said a million jobs were at stake, an iconic American industry is at stake -- I'm going to bet on American workers and American manufacturing.  (Applause.)  And today, the American auto industry has come roaring back.  (Applause.)  That's the choice. 

Unlike my opponent, I want to stop giving tax breaks to companies that ship jobs overseas.  I want to start rewarding companies that create jobs right here in Urbandale and Des Moines, right here in Iowa, right here in the United States of America.  (Applause.)  That's what we're fighting for. 

You can decide whether "borrow money from your parents" is an acceptable answer for a young person hoping to go to college or start a business.

AUDIENCE:  Booo --

THE PRESIDENT:  Or you can say let’s make sure America once again leads the world in educating our kids and training our workers.  (Applause.)  Let's help more young people go to college ready to learn.  Let's hire more great teachers -- (applause) -- especially in math and science.  (Applause.)  Let’s help more Americans go to community colleges to get the skills for the jobs they need right now.  (Applause.)  Governor Romney wants to end the college tax credit we created that’s saving families up to $10,000 over four years in tuition.  I want to extend it.  (Applause.)  In America, higher education can't be a luxury.  It is an economic necessity and something everybody should be able to afford.  That's what we're fighting for.  (Applause.)

Iowa, you can choose an energy plan written by and for the big oil companies, or you can choose an all-of-the above energy strategy for America.  (Applause.)  At a time when homegrown energy is creating new jobs right here in Iowa, when farmers are helping to create new biofuels, when once-shuttered factories are churning out new wind turbines -- (applause) -- my opponent wants to end tax credits for wind energy producers.  He said new sources of energy like these are "imaginary."  His running mate calls them a "fad."  Nearly 7,000 jobs in this state depend on the wind industry.  These jobs aren’t a fad -- they are the future.  (Applause.) 

And I think it's time to stop giving $4 billion in taxpayer subsidies each year to big oil companies that are making money every time you go to the pump.  (Applause.)  Let's give some of that money to homegrown energy sources like wind that have never been more promising.  That's the choice in this election.  That's what we're fighting for.  (Applause.)  

It’s up to you whether we go back to a health care system that let insurance companies decide who to cover and when --

AUDIENCE:  Booo --

THE PRESIDENT:  -- or whether we keep moving forward with the new health care law that’s already cutting costs and covering more people and saving lives.  (Applause.)  Now is not the time to refight the battles of the past four years.  Now is the time to move forward.  (Applause.)

This November, you get to decide the future of this war in Afghanistan.  Governor Romney had nothing to say about Afghanistan last week, let alone offer a plan for the 33,000 troops who will have come home from the war by the end of this month. (Applause.)  He said ending the war in Iraq was "tragic." I said we’d end that war -- and we did.  (Applause.)  I said we’d take out bin Laden -- and we did.  (Applause.) 

AUDIENCE:  U-S-A!  U-S-A!  U-S-A!

THE PRESIDENT:  Today, all of our troops are out of Iraq.  We are bringing them home from Afghanistan.  And as long as I’m Commander-in-Chief, we will serve our veterans as well as they served us -- (applause) -- veterans like Lucas, who got his education thanks to the Post-9/11 GI Bill -- because nobody who fights for this country should have to fight for a job or an education or a roof over their heads when they come home.  (Applause.)  That's what's at stake in this election.   

On issue after issue, Iowa, Governor Romney and Congressman Ryan will take us backwards.  But the story of America is about moving forward.  And soon you'll get a chance to choose a path that will actually lead to a better future.  But over the next two months, the other side will spend more money than we have ever seen on ads that basically tell you the same thing they told you at the convention -- the economy is not doing good and it’s Obama’s fault.  (Laughter.)  They know their economic plan isn’t popular.  Go figure that raising taxes on middle class families to pay for new tax cuts for billionaires and millionaires doesn’t go over that well.

AUDIENCE:  Booo --  

THE PRESIDENT:  So that's not what they're going to talk about.  They're counting on the fact that you get so discouraged by these negative ads, that you decide your vote doesn’t matter. You'll decide that you can’t compete with $10 million checks from wealthy donors.

I'm counting on something different.  I'm counting on you.  (Applause.)  And I need your help.  First and foremost, I need you to go to GottaRegister.com to make sure that you are registered to vote.  Now, this is GottaRegister -- I'm sorry, any English teachers who are in the room -- (laughter) -- it's not "got to," it is "gotta" -- g-o-t-t-a register.com.  And once you're registered, then you got to go to GottaVote.com.  (Applause.)  That's g-o-t-t-a vote.com -- to find out how to cast your ballot early.  Because in Iowa, you don’t have to wait until November 6th to vote.  You can be among the first to vote in this election, starting September 27th.  (Applause.) 

That’s GottaRegister.com; GottaVote.com, because we got a lot more work to do.  We "gotta" lot more work to do.  (Laughter.)

We’ve got more good jobs to create.  (Applause.)  We’ve got more homegrown energy to generate.  (Applause.)  We’ve got more young people to send to college.  (Applause.)  We’ve got more good teachers to hire.  (Applause.)  And we’ve got more good schools to build.  (Applause.)  We’ve got more troops we've got to bring home.  (Applause.)  We've got more veterans we've got to take care of.  (Applause.)  We’ve got more doors of opportunity to open to every single American who’s willing to work hard and walk through them.  We've come too far to turn back now.  (Applause.)  

That’s why I’m asking for a second term, Iowa.  And if you’re willing to stand with me, and join with me and knock on some doors with me, and make some phone calls with me, and if you're willing to vote for me in November -- we will win Polk County again.  (Applause.)  We will win Iowa again.  (Applause.) We will win this election.  (Applause.)  We will finish what we started.  And we will remind the world just why it is that the United States of America is the greatest nation on Earth.  (Applause.)

God bless you.  And God bless the United States of America.

                        END                 1:53 P.M. CDT

Weekly Address: Honoring Our Nation’s Service Members and Military Families

Colleen Curtis
Colleen Curtis
September 01, 2012
05:55 AM EDT

President Obama marks the second anniversary of the end of our combat mission in Iraq by thanking our nation’s extraordinary men and women in uniform for their service.  

Transcript | Download mp4 | Download mp3

 

 

Related Topics: Veterans

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
September 01, 2012

Weekly Address: Honoring Our Nation’s Service Members and Military Families

Hi, everybody.  On Friday, I visited Fort Bliss in Texas, where I met with some of our extraordinary men and women in uniform to mark the second anniversary of the end of major combat in Iraq.

It was a chance to thank our troops for the outstanding work they’ve done over the last decade.  Fort Bliss is home to soldiers who took part in every major phase of the Iraq War – from the initial assault on Baghdad; to the years of fighting block by block; to the partnership with the Iraqi people that helped give them a chance to forge their own destiny.

And while the war itself remains a source of controversy here at home, one thing will never be in doubt – the members of our armed forces are patriots in every sense of the word.  They met every mission and performed every task that was asked of them with precision, commitment and skill.  And now, with no Americans fighting in Iraq, it’s my privilege on behalf of a grateful nation to once again congratulate these men and women on a job well done.

This anniversary is a chance to appreciate how far we’ve come.  But it’s also a reminder that there is still difficult work ahead of us in Afghanistan.  Some of the soldiers I met at Fort Bliss had just come home from the battlefield, and others are getting ready to ship out. 

We’ve broken the Taliban’s momentum in Afghanistan, and begun the transition to an Afghan lead.  Next month, the last of the troops I ordered as part of the surge against the Taliban will come home, and by 2014, the transition to Afghan lead will be complete.

But as long as we have a single American in harm’s way, we will continue to do everything in our power to keep them safe and help them succeed.  That means giving them a clear mission and the equipment they need on the front lines.  But it also means taking care of our veterans and their families.  Because no one who fights for this country should have to fight for a job or a roof over their head when they come home.

I also told our soldiers at Bliss that part of honoring their service means strengthening the nation they fought so hard to protect.  As we turn the page on a decade of war, it’s time to do some nation-building here at home. 

My grandfather’s generation came back from World War II and helped form the backbone of the greatest middle-class in history.  They helped this country come back stronger than before.  Today’s veterans have the skills, the discipline, and the leadership skills to do the exact same thing – and it’s our job to give them that chance.

It’s time to build a nation that lives up to the ideals that so many Americans have fought for – a nation where they can realize the dream they sacrificed to protect.  We need to rebuild our roads and runways and ports.  We need to lay broadband lines across this country and put our veterans back to work as cops and firefighters in communities that need them.  And we need to come together to make America a place where hard work is rewarded and anyone willing to put in the effort can make it if they try.

That’s how we can honor our troops.  That’s the welcome home they’ve earned. 

Thanks, and have a great weekend

Giving Thanks to Our Troops

September 01, 2012 | 3:15 | Public Domain

President Obama marks the second anniversary of the end of major combat in Iraq, by thanking our servicemen and women for the outstanding work they did.

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Weekly Address: Honoring Our Nation’s Service Members and Military Families

Hi, everybody.  On Friday, I visited Fort Bliss in Texas, where I met with some of our extraordinary men and women in uniform to mark the second anniversary of the end of major combat in Iraq.

It was a chance to thank our troops for the outstanding work they’ve done over the last decade.  Fort Bliss is home to soldiers who took part in every major phase of the Iraq War – from the initial assault on Baghdad; to the years of fighting block by block; to the partnership with the Iraqi people that helped give them a chance to forge their own destiny.

And while the war itself remains a source of controversy here at home, one thing will never be in doubt – the members of our armed forces are patriots in every sense of the word.  They met every mission and performed every task that was asked of them with precision, commitment and skill.  And now, with no Americans fighting in Iraq, it’s my privilege on behalf of a grateful nation to once again congratulate these men and women on a job well done.

This anniversary is a chance to appreciate how far we’ve come.  But it’s also a reminder that there is still difficult work ahead of us in Afghanistan.  Some of the soldiers I met at Fort Bliss had just come home from the battlefield, and others are getting ready to ship out. 

We’ve broken the Taliban’s momentum in Afghanistan, and begun the transition to an Afghan lead.  Next month, the last of the troops I ordered as part of the surge against the Taliban will come home, and by 2014, the transition to Afghan lead will be complete.

But as long as we have a single American in harm’s way, we will continue to do everything in our power to keep them safe and help them succeed.  That means giving them a clear mission and the equipment they need on the front lines.  But it also means taking care of our veterans and their families.  Because no one who fights for this country should have to fight for a job or a roof over their head when they come home.

I also told our soldiers at Bliss that part of honoring their service means strengthening the nation they fought so hard to protect.  As we turn the page on a decade of war, it’s time to do some nation-building here at home. 

My grandfather’s generation came back from World War II and helped form the backbone of the greatest middle-class in history.  They helped this country come back stronger than before.  Today’s veterans have the skills, the discipline, and the leadership skills to do the exact same thing – and it’s our job to give them that chance.

It’s time to build a nation that lives up to the ideals that so many Americans have fought for – a nation where they can realize the dream they sacrificed to protect.  We need to rebuild our roads and runways and ports.  We need to lay broadband lines across this country and put our veterans back to work as cops and firefighters in communities that need them.  And we need to come together to make America a place where hard work is rewarded and anyone willing to put in the effort can make it if they try.

That’s how we can honor our troops.  That’s the welcome home they’ve earned. 

Thanks, and have a great weekend

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President Obama Speaks to Troops at Fort Bliss

August 31, 2012 | 26:11 | Public Domain

On the two-year anniversary of the end of our combat mission in Iraq, the President speak to troops at Fort Bliss, and discusses that part of ending wars responsibly demands standing by those who have served.

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Remarks by the President to the Troops at Fort Bliss, TX

 

Fort Bliss Main Hangar
Fort Bliss, Texas
 
1:06 P.M. MDT
 
THE PRESIDENT: Hello, Team Bliss! (Applause.) Hooah! Thank you so much, everybody. Hooah!
 
AUDIENCE: Hooah!
 
THE PRESIDENT: To General Lloyd Austin, thanks for the introduction and your leadership, leading our troops in Iraq and taking care of our soldiers now that they are at home. 
 
And right at the top, let me say that our hearts are obviously with all the folks who are down in Louisiana and the Gulf Coast, who are dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Isaac. Our prayers are with those who've lost loved ones. And I've directed the federal government to keep doing everything that it can to help our partners at the state and local level. As a country, we stand united with our fellow Americans in their hour of need. 
 
I want to thank General Pittard and all your great commanders for welcoming me here today. I want to give a shout-out to the Sergeant Major of the Army, Ray Chandler. (Hooah!) And Command Sergeant Major Ronnie Kelley. (Hooah!) These guys remind us that our noncommissioned officers are the backbone of our military -- (applause) -- leading the finest enlisted force in the world. (Hooah!) 
 
It is great to be back at Fort Bliss, home to the Army, Air and Missile Defense Command -- "Swift and Sure." (Hooah!) We've got Guard and Reserve here. (Hooah!) Of course, it's home to the legendary 1st Armored Division, "Old Ironsides." (Hooah!) We've got a lot of brigades here, including the "Iron Eagles," "Iron Brigade," "Bulldogs," and "Ready First." (Hooah!) 
 
And I also want to salute Lucille Pittard and Alice Kelley and all the extraordinary spouses and military families who are here. Give them a big round of applause. (Applause.) 
 
 I know that all of you are grateful for the incredible support you receive from your civilian neighbors. So I want to acknowledge two champions of Fort Bliss -- we've got Congressman Silvestre Reyes and we've got Mayor John Cook. And we've also got all the great folks in El Paso and New Mexico. Give them a big round of applause. (Applause.) 
 
I've come back to Bliss for a simple reason. Two years ago, I was here to mark a historic moment in the life of our nation and our military -- the end of major combat operations in Iraq. It was a chance for me to say on behalf of the American people to you and all who served there -- welcome home, and congratulations on a job well done. 
 
AUDIENCE: Hooah!
 
THE PRESIDENT: In every major phase of that war, you were there, the Iron Soldiers. Because of your speed and strength, American troops toppled a dictator in less than a month. Because of your commitment, you stayed on extended tours and went back, tour after tour, year after year. Because of your determination to succeed, you turned back an insurgency. You stood firm against sectarian strife. You helped pull Iraq back from the abyss and you trained Iraqis to take the lead. That was the progress you made possible with your service and your courage. 
 
And so, two years ago, I was able to come here to Bliss and mark the end of our combat mission. And that night I told the American people that all our troops would be out of Iraq by the end of the following year. At the time, I know some folks didn’t believe me. They were skeptical. Some thought the end of combat was just word games and semantics, but I meant what I said. (Hooah!)
 
So you kept training up those Iraqi forces. We removed nearly 150,000 troops, and this past December, under General Austin’s leadership, the last American troops came home, including the 4th Brigade Combat Team from Bliss. (Hooah!) (Applause.)
 
You left Iraq with honor, your mission complete, your heads held high. After nearly nine years, our war in Iraq was over. And today Iraq has a chance to forge its own destiny, and there are no American troops fighting and dying in Iraq.
 
On this anniversary, we honor the memory of all who gave their lives there -- nearly 4,500 American patriots, including 198 fallen heroes from Fort Bliss and the 1st Armored Division. And we salute all who served there.
 
When I was here two years ago I told you something else, though -- that we had more work to do, including taking the fight to al Qaeda. (Hooah!) And there, too, I meant what I said. With allies and partners, we’ve taken out more top al Qaeda terrorists than at any time since 9/11. And thanks to the courage of our forces, al Qaeda is on the road to defeat and bin Laden will never again threaten the United States of America. (Applause.)
 
Two years ago I also told you that we’d keep up the fight in Afghanistan. And I know that some of you recently got back. On behalf of a grateful nation, welcome home. 
 
Some of your buddies are in Afghanistan right now -- (Hooah!) -- and our thoughts and prayers are with all the troops from Bliss deployed around the world, including Afghanistan -- the "War Eagles" and the "Highlanders." 
 
And I know that some of you will be deploying later this year. (Hooah!) And I’ve got to tell you the truth -- this is still a very tough fight. You know this. You carry in your hearts the memory of comrades who made that ultimate sacrifice, including six heroes from Bliss who gave their lives on that awful day last month. 
 
I just had the opportunity to meet with some of our Gold Star families, and our message to them is this: Your loved ones live on in the soul of our nation and we will honor them always. 
 
Because of their sacrifice, because of your service, we pushed the Taliban back. We’re training Afghan forces. The transition to Afghan lead is underway, and as promised, more than 30,000 of our troops will have come home by next month.
 
Just as in Iraq, we are going to end this war responsibly. Next year, Afghans will take the lead for their own security. In 2014, the transition will be complete. And even as this war ends, we will stay vigilant so Afghanistan is never again a source for attacks against America. Never again. (Hooah!) (Applause.)
 
So we’re not just ending these wars. We’re doing it in a way that keeps America safe and makes America stronger. And that includes our military. 
 
Think about it. Just four years ago, there were some 180,000 American troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. By next month we will have cut that number by nearly two-thirds. So most of our troops have come home. And as more Afghans step up, more of our troops will come home. 
 
And what does that mean for you? Well, after 10 years of continuous operations, it means fewer deployments. It means more time for training. It means more time to improve readiness, more time to prepare for the future. And it means more time on the home front with your families -- your spouses and your kids. (Hooah!)
 
THE PRESIDENT: So make no mistake -- ending the wars responsibly makes us safer and it makes our military even stronger. And ending these wars is letting us do something else -- restore American leadership. 
 
If you hear anyone trying to say that America is in decline or that our influence has waned, don’t you believe it. Because here's the truth -- our alliances have never been stronger. We're leading on behalf of freedom, including standing with the people of Libya that are finally free from Muammar Qaddafi. (Hooah!)
 
Around the world, there's a new attitude toward America, new confidence in our leadership. When people are asked, which country do you admire most, one nation always comes out on top: the United States of America. (Hooah!) (Applause.) 
 
And that’s the progress that we've made, thanks to your incredible service. We're winding down a decade of war. We're destroying terrorist networks that attacked us. And we've restored American leadership. And today, every American can be proud that the United States is safer, the United States is stronger, and the United States is more respected in the world.
 
Now, when I was here last, I made you a pledge. I said that, as President, I will insist that America serves you and your families as well as you've served us. And there again, I meant what I said. Because part of ending wars responsibly is caring for those who fought in it. That’s why I wanted to come back to Bliss on this anniversary to reaffirm our solemn obligations to you and your families.
 
You see, we may be turning a page on a decade of war, but America's responsibilities to you have only just begun. (Baby shouts.)
 
THE PRESIDENT: Hey! (Laughter.) I hear you. 
 
So here's my pledge to you. In a world of serious threats, I will never hesitate to use force to defend the United States of America or our interests. (Hooah!) At the same time, I will only send you into harm's way when it is absolutely necessary. And when we do, we will give you the equipment and the clear mission and the smart strategy and the support back home that you need to get the job done. We owe you that. (Applause.) 
 
With the end of the wars, our military will be leaner, but we'll keep making historic investments to keep you the absolute best military in the world -- bar none. The United States will always maintain our military superiority. (Hooah!) In you, we've got the best-trained, best-led, best-equipped military in human history. And as Commander-In-Chief, I'm going to keep it that way. (Applause.) 
 
And by the way, you've been hearing some folks out there trying to talk about the budget and trying to scare you. Last year, Congress pledged to find a plan to reduce the deficit, and they said if they couldn’t agree there would be big cuts across the board, including defense. But understand, nobody wants these cuts, and that’s why Congress threatened them, to force themselves to make hard decisions. 
 
Here's the thing. There’s no reason those cuts should happen because folks in Congress ought to come together and agree on a responsible plan that reduces the deficit and keeps our military strong. (Hooah!)
 
That's what needs to happen. That's what you and your families deserve. And that's how we’re going to keep America safe and strong and grow our economy all at the same time. (Applause.) That's a pledge that we need to make to you.
 
And just as we give you the best equipment and technology on the battlefield, we need to give you the best support and care when you come home.
 
AUDIENCE MEMBER: I say hooah!
 
THE PRESIDENT: Hooah!
 
AUDIENCE: Hooah!
 
THE PRESIDENT: We just had a roundtable with some soldiers and their families, talking about how coming home can be its own struggle, especially for our wounded warriors. So we’ve poured tremendous resources into this effort, unprecedented support for our troops with Traumatic Brain Injury, for our troops and veterans with PTSD -- more counselors, more clinicians, more care, more treatment. 
 
And I know you’ve been a leader on this here at Bliss, making it clear that everyone has a responsibility to help a comrade who's hurting. So today we’re taking another step. I’ve signed a new executive order to give our troops, our veterans, and our families better access to mental health care. (Hooah!) (Applause.) 
 
We’re going increase the number of folks manning those crisis hotlines so help is there when you need it most. We’re going to add even more counselors and mental health providers. We’re launching a new awareness campaign, starting tomorrow, and I’m directing a new task force to find out what works best so we’re doing everything we can to help those in need and save lives. And I know that you join me in saying to everyone who's ever worn the uniform: If you’re hurting, it’s not a sign of weakness to seek help; it’s a sign of strength. (Hooah!) 
 
We are here to help you stay strong -- Army Strong. (Hooah!) That's a commitment I’m making to you. 
 
And we’re going to keep taking care of our remarkable military families, too. (Hooah!) This is something I care deeply about, but even if I didn't, I’d have no choice because Michelle would tell me what to do. (Laughter.) And along with Michelle and Dr. Jill Biden, they have been doing everything they can to get civilians involved in this process, not just our government. So today more people all across America are joining forces to give our military families the respect and the support that they deserve, and that's especially important right now.
 
Now, this may be a political season, and folks may be arguing about all sorts of things. But one thing that we Americans are united on is our support for you. Only 1 percent of Americans may wear the uniform -- (Hooah!) -- but 100 percent of Americans need to be supporting you and your families 100 percent. (Hooah!)
 
And so this brings me to the final pledge I made here at Bliss two years ago. When you take off the uniform, we are going to help you fully participate in our economy. Every single one of you has defended the American Dream for the rest of us, and every single one of you deserves a chance to live the American Dream yourselves. (Hooah!) And that includes jobs worthy of your incredible talents. 
 
And by the way, it’s not just good for you. It’s good for the country -- because after a decade of war, the nation we need to be rebuilding is the United States of America. (Hooah!) (Applause.) And all of you have the skills that America needs. 
 
So with a million more of you rejoining civilian life in the years ahead, we’re upping our game at every stage of your careers. We’ve overhauled the Transition Assistance Program, creating a kind of reverse boot camp as you leave service, to help you find a job, or pursue that degree, or start that business. And hopefully this will be one boot camp you actually like. (Laughter.) 
 
We’ll keep helping you and your families pursue your education under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. (Hooah!) And by the way, we’re cracking down on those schools that have been trying to take your money and then rip you off by not giving you the education that you paid for. That needs to stop. We’re going to bring an end to that. (Hooah!)
 
We’re going to keep hiring our newest veterans in the federal government, and in communities as police officers and firefighters and first responders. Because we passed tax credits, more businesses can hire our veterans and wounded warriors. 
 
We’re making it easier for you to transfer your outstanding military skills to the licenses and credentials that you need to get that civilian job. If you’ve been a medic in theater, you shouldn’t have to start at nursing 101 if you decide you want to go into the medical profession here in the United States. (Hooah!) (Applause.) If you’ve been a mechanic on a multimillion-dollar piece of equipment, you shouldn’t have to come back and start all over again in getting credentialed to work on a car here in the United States. (Hooah!)
 
And maybe you’ve heard -- last year I challenged the private sector to hire or train 100,000 veterans or military spouses. Well, last week Michelle was able to announce that patriotic companies across America have actually exceeded that goal ahead of schedule with 125,000 jobs. (Hooah!) (Applause.)
 
But we’ve still got more work to do. So today I’m again calling on Congress to act. They’ve got some work they need to do. Pass the Veterans Jobs Corps so we can put more vets to work protecting and rebuilding America. Extend tax credits to businesses that hire our veterans. (Applause.) And I say to every company in America: If you want somebody who knows how to get the job done, if you want somebody who is going to make you proud, just like they made America proud -- then hire a vet. (Hooah!) Hire a vet. (Applause.) Because after fighting for America, you shouldn’t have to fight for a job in America. (Hooah!)
 
So, Team Bliss, these are America’s commitments to you and all who serve -- because we need to be there for you just like you were there for us -- not just this year or next, but for all the years to come. 
 
That’s the lesson of a soldier I had the honor to meet the last time I was in Afghanistan, visiting some of our wounded warriors in the hospital at Bagram. Sergeant Chase Haag is 22 years old. This past spring he was with his team when their vehicle got hit by an IED the day that I flew in. So when I arrived at his hospital room, he and his buddies were all in pretty bad shape. And he was certainly in bad shape -- his leg was broken, his back was fractured. He was laying there on his bed. He was under a lot of medication, face was swollen, his eyes were shut.
 
And at first, my attitude was I didn’t want to disturb him because I thought he was sleeping. And the doctor said, no, I think he can understand what you’re saying even if he can’t acknowledge it, and I think he’d appreciate knowing that you’re by his side. So I leaned in and I told Chase how proud I was of him and how proud the country was of him, and how we’d be praying for his recovery. 
 
And I was turning to leave and then something happened. There was a rustling under his blanket. And Chase never opened his eyes, couldn’t make a sound, but suddenly you saw the blanket lift and his arm came out. And he shook my hand -- a firm Army handshake. (Hooah!) And I don’t think there was a dry eye in that room.
 
And then a few months later I was visiting our wounded warriors at Walter Reed, and I walk around the corner and who’s there but Chase. He had endured multiple surgeries. He was persevering through physical therapy. But this time he was on his feet. He was walking again. And he had his dad next to him. And today he’s back where every soldier wants to be -- back with his unit. (Hooah!) (Applause.)
 
And it made me think, that’s just one moment in the life of one American soldier. But it captured the spirit, the resilience, the tenacity, the discipline, the resolve, the patriotism of all of you. 
 
For a decade, you have served under the dark cloud of war. You've endured great loss, and good men and women have given their last full measure of devotion. But we Americans are strong, and we are resilient, and we have resolve. And now, we can see a light -- the light of a new day on the horizon. And that’s because of you.
 
The war in Iraq is over. The transition is underway in Afghanistan. Our troops will keep coming home. And we are keeping our military ready for whatever the future may hold. But know this, Bliss -- we are moving forward stronger and more confident in knowing that when faced with great trials, we Americans do what we always do. We don’t just endure; we emerge stronger than before. 
 
And as we go forward as one nation, if the American people ever need inspiration, they just have to look at Bliss. They need only to look at you. For in you, we see the best that our country has to offer -- the virtues that have made America great for more than two centuries, and the values that will keep us great for centuries to come. 
 
It's the belief that all men are created equal; that we are endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights, and that among these are life and liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It's the sense of duty that says our country and our freedoms are worth fighting for. It's the selflessness that says I don’t care who gets the credit, but I'll do my part and we'll get the job done. The trust in one another, knowing that when the chips are down, the person next to you has got your back and you've got theirs. (Hooah!) The strength you draw from every part of our American family, every color, every creed, every background, every faith coming together, succeeding together as one American team. 
 
That’s who you are. That’s who we are. We are Americans. We pledge allegiance to the same proud flag. And we all love this country and all it represents to the world -- the hope, the opportunity. And we stand united in support of our troops and your families. And when we stand together and when we work together, when we take care of each other, we remind ourselves there's nothing we can't do, America's greatest days are yet to come, and that we remain the greatest force for freedom that the world has ever known.
 
So God bless you. God bless all our men and women in uniform. And God bless the United States of America. (Applause.) 
 
END
1:32 P.M. MDT

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The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
August 31, 2012

Readout of President Obama’s Call with Parish Presidents, Mayors, and County Leaders from Louisiana and Mississippi

This afternoon, the President convened a call with a number of Parish Presidents, Mayors and County Leaders from Louisiana and Mississippi who were impacted by Hurricane Isaac.  On the call, the President asked Secretary Napolitano and Administrator Fugate to provide the officials with an update on the resources and steps FEMA has taken to support their communities and first responders as they continue to confront ongoing flooding and damage caused by the storm. The President noted the extensive damage in areas across the Gulf Coast and told the officials that they – as well as the communities they represent -- were in his thoughts and prayers. The President also made clear that he had directed FEMA to continue to bring all available resources to bear to support response and recovery efforts. FEMA teams have been on the ground in both states since before the storm made landfall and federal responders continue to move  supplies – including water, meals, generators, medical supplies and other resources – into affected areas in both states as conditions allow. Teams from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Department of Energy are supporting power supply and restoration efforts.
 
At the requests of the Governors, the President approved Emergency Declarations for Louisiana and Mississippi earlier this week, and on Wednesday night the President provided expedited Major Disaster declarations for both states which make additional federal resources available to the state and local governments. On the call the President informed the Louisiana Parish Presidents and Louisiana Mayors that today he approved the addition of Individual Assistance to the state’s Disaster Declaration, making federal funding available directly to affected individuals in impacted areas. The President asked the officials to continue to identify needs that may arise as the response efforts continue and recovery efforts begin.
 

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
August 31, 2012

Presidential Proclamation -- National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, 2012

NATIONAL CHILDHOOD OBESITY AWARENESS MONTH, 2012

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Over the past several decades, childhood obesity has become a serious public health issue that puts millions of our sons and daughters at risk.  The stakes are high:  if we do not solve this problem, many among America's next generation will face diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and other health problems associated with obesity.  Thankfully, while more remains to be done, we are making real progress toward a healthier future for our children.  During National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, we rededicate ourselves to meeting that critical responsibility.

For more than 2 years, First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! initiative has worked with stakeholders across the private and public sectors to expand access to nutritious food, promote physical activity, encourage healthy food choices, create healthy starts for children, and ensure families have the tools they need to make healthy decisions.  Communities from coast to coast are taking action to fulfill those goals.  Over 4,000 schools have established rigorous nutrition and physical activity standards through the HealthierUS School Challenge, and more than a million Americans have earned the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award by committing to healthy eating and regular exercise.  The Healthy Food Financing Initiative is developing projects that increase access to healthy, affordable food in communities that currently lack these options.  Let's Move! has also partnered with faith based and community organizations that are expanding access to fresh fruits and vegetables in their neighborhoods, and local elected officials are leading the way in making healthy changes for cities, towns, and counties across America.

Earlier this year, my Administration implemented part of the historic Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act by releasing new rules for school lunches and breakfasts that ensure a higher nutritional standard    one that includes more whole grains, vegetables, and fruits, and less fat and sodium.  These changes represent the first major revision to school meal requirements in more than 15 years, and they come on the heels of recent updates to the Federal Government's Dietary Guidelines for Americans.  To commemorate the healthy choices families, schools, and communities are making in kitchens across America, the First Lady was proud to host the first Kids' "State Dinner" this summer, which welcomed 54 young chefs to the White House for a formal luncheon to celebrate their commitment to healthy, affordable recipes.  To find additional information on how we can solve the problem of childhood obesity within a generation, visit www.LetsMove.gov.

Each of us can play a role in ensuring our children have the opportunity to live long, healthy lives, and by joining together in pursuit of that mission, I am confident we can build a brighter future for America's youth.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 2012 as National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month.  I encourage all Americans to learn about and engage in activities that promote healthy eating and greater physical activity by all our Nation's children.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty first day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.

BARACK OBAMA

President Obama Speaks to Troops at Fort Bliss

Megan Slack
Megan Slack
August 31, 2012
05:16 PM EDT

Watch President Obama speak to the troops.

Two years after his visit to Fort Bliss that marked the end of the combat mission in Iraq, President Obama returned there today to speak to the troops, and discuss his commitment to standing by those who served as the nation winds down the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Now, when I was here last, I made you a pledge.  I said that, as President, I will insist that America serves you and your families as well as you've served us.  And there again, I meant what I said.  Because part of ending wars responsibly is caring for those who fought in it.  That’s why I wanted to come back to Bliss on this anniversary to reaffirm our solemn obligations to you and your families.You see, we may be turning a page on a decade of war, but America's responsibilities to you have only just begun.

“Just as we give you the best equipment and technology on the battlefield,” the President said, “we need to give you the best care and support when you come home.” This includes continuing the efforts underway to strengthen and expand health care and mental health care service for troops, particularly for veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury and PTSD, and providing resources to help returning service members get the education, training, and support they need to transition back into the civilian workforce. It also means giving our military families the respect and the support that they deserve.

Related Topics: Defense, Veterans, Texas

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
August 31, 2012

Remarks by the President to the Troops at Fort Bliss, TX

 

Fort Bliss Main Hangar
Fort Bliss, Texas
 
1:06 P.M. MDT
 
THE PRESIDENT: Hello, Team Bliss! (Applause.) Hooah! Thank you so much, everybody. Hooah!
 
AUDIENCE: Hooah!
 
THE PRESIDENT: To General Lloyd Austin, thanks for the introduction and your leadership, leading our troops in Iraq and taking care of our soldiers now that they are at home. 
 
And right at the top, let me say that our hearts are obviously with all the folks who are down in Louisiana and the Gulf Coast, who are dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Isaac. Our prayers are with those who've lost loved ones. And I've directed the federal government to keep doing everything that it can to help our partners at the state and local level. As a country, we stand united with our fellow Americans in their hour of need. 
 
I want to thank General Pittard and all your great commanders for welcoming me here today. I want to give a shout-out to the Sergeant Major of the Army, Ray Chandler. (Hooah!) And Command Sergeant Major Ronnie Kelley. (Hooah!) These guys remind us that our noncommissioned officers are the backbone of our military -- (applause) -- leading the finest enlisted force in the world. (Hooah!) 
 
It is great to be back at Fort Bliss, home to the Army, Air and Missile Defense Command -- "Swift and Sure." (Hooah!) We've got Guard and Reserve here. (Hooah!) Of course, it's home to the legendary 1st Armored Division, "Old Ironsides." (Hooah!) We've got a lot of brigades here, including the "Iron Eagles," "Iron Brigade," "Bulldogs," and "Ready First." (Hooah!) 
 
And I also want to salute Lucille Pittard and Alice Kelley and all the extraordinary spouses and military families who are here. Give them a big round of applause. (Applause.) 
 
 I know that all of you are grateful for the incredible support you receive from your civilian neighbors. So I want to acknowledge two champions of Fort Bliss -- we've got Congressman Silvestre Reyes and we've got Mayor John Cook. And we've also got all the great folks in El Paso and New Mexico. Give them a big round of applause. (Applause.) 
 
I've come back to Bliss for a simple reason. Two years ago, I was here to mark a historic moment in the life of our nation and our military -- the end of major combat operations in Iraq. It was a chance for me to say on behalf of the American people to you and all who served there -- welcome home, and congratulations on a job well done. 
 
AUDIENCE: Hooah!
 
THE PRESIDENT: In every major phase of that war, you were there, the Iron Soldiers. Because of your speed and strength, American troops toppled a dictator in less than a month. Because of your commitment, you stayed on extended tours and went back, tour after tour, year after year. Because of your determination to succeed, you turned back an insurgency. You stood firm against sectarian strife. You helped pull Iraq back from the abyss and you trained Iraqis to take the lead. That was the progress you made possible with your service and your courage. 
 
And so, two years ago, I was able to come here to Bliss and mark the end of our combat mission. And that night I told the American people that all our troops would be out of Iraq by the end of the following year. At the time, I know some folks didn’t believe me. They were skeptical. Some thought the end of combat was just word games and semantics, but I meant what I said. (Hooah!)
 
So you kept training up those Iraqi forces. We removed nearly 150,000 troops, and this past December, under General Austin’s leadership, the last American troops came home, including the 4th Brigade Combat Team from Bliss. (Hooah!) (Applause.)
 
You left Iraq with honor, your mission complete, your heads held high. After nearly nine years, our war in Iraq was over. And today Iraq has a chance to forge its own destiny, and there are no American troops fighting and dying in Iraq.
 
On this anniversary, we honor the memory of all who gave their lives there -- nearly 4,500 American patriots, including 198 fallen heroes from Fort Bliss and the 1st Armored Division. And we salute all who served there.
 
When I was here two years ago I told you something else, though -- that we had more work to do, including taking the fight to al Qaeda. (Hooah!) And there, too, I meant what I said. With allies and partners, we’ve taken out more top al Qaeda terrorists than at any time since 9/11. And thanks to the courage of our forces, al Qaeda is on the road to defeat and bin Laden will never again threaten the United States of America. (Applause.)
 
Two years ago I also told you that we’d keep up the fight in Afghanistan. And I know that some of you recently got back. On behalf of a grateful nation, welcome home. 
 
Some of your buddies are in Afghanistan right now -- (Hooah!) -- and our thoughts and prayers are with all the troops from Bliss deployed around the world, including Afghanistan -- the "War Eagles" and the "Highlanders." 
 
And I know that some of you will be deploying later this year. (Hooah!) And I’ve got to tell you the truth -- this is still a very tough fight. You know this. You carry in your hearts the memory of comrades who made that ultimate sacrifice, including six heroes from Bliss who gave their lives on that awful day last month. 
 
I just had the opportunity to meet with some of our Gold Star families, and our message to them is this: Your loved ones live on in the soul of our nation and we will honor them always. 
 
Because of their sacrifice, because of your service, we pushed the Taliban back. We’re training Afghan forces. The transition to Afghan lead is underway, and as promised, more than 30,000 of our troops will have come home by next month.
 
Just as in Iraq, we are going to end this war responsibly. Next year, Afghans will take the lead for their own security. In 2014, the transition will be complete. And even as this war ends, we will stay vigilant so Afghanistan is never again a source for attacks against America. Never again. (Hooah!) (Applause.)
 
So we’re not just ending these wars. We’re doing it in a way that keeps America safe and makes America stronger. And that includes our military. 
 
Think about it. Just four years ago, there were some 180,000 American troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. By next month we will have cut that number by nearly two-thirds. So most of our troops have come home. And as more Afghans step up, more of our troops will come home. 
 
And what does that mean for you? Well, after 10 years of continuous operations, it means fewer deployments. It means more time for training. It means more time to improve readiness, more time to prepare for the future. And it means more time on the home front with your families -- your spouses and your kids. (Hooah!)
 
THE PRESIDENT: So make no mistake -- ending the wars responsibly makes us safer and it makes our military even stronger. And ending these wars is letting us do something else -- restore American leadership. 
 
If you hear anyone trying to say that America is in decline or that our influence has waned, don’t you believe it. Because here's the truth -- our alliances have never been stronger. We're leading on behalf of freedom, including standing with the people of Libya that are finally free from Muammar Qaddafi. (Hooah!)
 
Around the world, there's a new attitude toward America, new confidence in our leadership. When people are asked, which country do you admire most, one nation always comes out on top: the United States of America. (Hooah!) (Applause.) 
 
And that’s the progress that we've made, thanks to your incredible service. We're winding down a decade of war. We're destroying terrorist networks that attacked us. And we've restored American leadership. And today, every American can be proud that the United States is safer, the United States is stronger, and the United States is more respected in the world.
 
Now, when I was here last, I made you a pledge. I said that, as President, I will insist that America serves you and your families as well as you've served us. And there again, I meant what I said. Because part of ending wars responsibly is caring for those who fought in it. That’s why I wanted to come back to Bliss on this anniversary to reaffirm our solemn obligations to you and your families.
 
You see, we may be turning a page on a decade of war, but America's responsibilities to you have only just begun. (Baby shouts.)
 
THE PRESIDENT: Hey! (Laughter.) I hear you. 
 
So here's my pledge to you. In a world of serious threats, I will never hesitate to use force to defend the United States of America or our interests. (Hooah!) At the same time, I will only send you into harm's way when it is absolutely necessary. And when we do, we will give you the equipment and the clear mission and the smart strategy and the support back home that you need to get the job done. We owe you that. (Applause.) 
 
With the end of the wars, our military will be leaner, but we'll keep making historic investments to keep you the absolute best military in the world -- bar none. The United States will always maintain our military superiority. (Hooah!) In you, we've got the best-trained, best-led, best-equipped military in human history. And as Commander-In-Chief, I'm going to keep it that way. (Applause.) 
 
And by the way, you've been hearing some folks out there trying to talk about the budget and trying to scare you. Last year, Congress pledged to find a plan to reduce the deficit, and they said if they couldn’t agree there would be big cuts across the board, including defense. But understand, nobody wants these cuts, and that’s why Congress threatened them, to force themselves to make hard decisions. 
 
Here's the thing. There’s no reason those cuts should happen because folks in Congress ought to come together and agree on a responsible plan that reduces the deficit and keeps our military strong. (Hooah!)
 
That's what needs to happen. That's what you and your families deserve. And that's how we’re going to keep America safe and strong and grow our economy all at the same time. (Applause.) That's a pledge that we need to make to you.
 
And just as we give you the best equipment and technology on the battlefield, we need to give you the best support and care when you come home.
 
AUDIENCE MEMBER: I say hooah!
 
THE PRESIDENT: Hooah!
 
AUDIENCE: Hooah!
 
THE PRESIDENT: We just had a roundtable with some soldiers and their families, talking about how coming home can be its own struggle, especially for our wounded warriors. So we’ve poured tremendous resources into this effort, unprecedented support for our troops with Traumatic Brain Injury, for our troops and veterans with PTSD -- more counselors, more clinicians, more care, more treatment. 
 
And I know you’ve been a leader on this here at Bliss, making it clear that everyone has a responsibility to help a comrade who's hurting. So today we’re taking another step. I’ve signed a new executive order to give our troops, our veterans, and our families better access to mental health care. (Hooah!) (Applause.) 
 
We’re going increase the number of folks manning those crisis hotlines so help is there when you need it most. We’re going to add even more counselors and mental health providers. We’re launching a new awareness campaign, starting tomorrow, and I’m directing a new task force to find out what works best so we’re doing everything we can to help those in need and save lives. And I know that you join me in saying to everyone who's ever worn the uniform: If you’re hurting, it’s not a sign of weakness to seek help; it’s a sign of strength. (Hooah!) 
 
We are here to help you stay strong -- Army Strong. (Hooah!) That's a commitment I’m making to you. 
 
And we’re going to keep taking care of our remarkable military families, too. (Hooah!) This is something I care deeply about, but even if I didn't, I’d have no choice because Michelle would tell me what to do. (Laughter.) And along with Michelle and Dr. Jill Biden, they have been doing everything they can to get civilians involved in this process, not just our government. So today more people all across America are joining forces to give our military families the respect and the support that they deserve, and that's especially important right now.
 
Now, this may be a political season, and folks may be arguing about all sorts of things. But one thing that we Americans are united on is our support for you. Only 1 percent of Americans may wear the uniform -- (Hooah!) -- but 100 percent of Americans need to be supporting you and your families 100 percent. (Hooah!)
 
And so this brings me to the final pledge I made here at Bliss two years ago. When you take off the uniform, we are going to help you fully participate in our economy. Every single one of you has defended the American Dream for the rest of us, and every single one of you deserves a chance to live the American Dream yourselves. (Hooah!) And that includes jobs worthy of your incredible talents. 
 
And by the way, it’s not just good for you. It’s good for the country -- because after a decade of war, the nation we need to be rebuilding is the United States of America. (Hooah!) (Applause.) And all of you have the skills that America needs. 
 
So with a million more of you rejoining civilian life in the years ahead, we’re upping our game at every stage of your careers. We’ve overhauled the Transition Assistance Program, creating a kind of reverse boot camp as you leave service, to help you find a job, or pursue that degree, or start that business. And hopefully this will be one boot camp you actually like. (Laughter.) 
 
We’ll keep helping you and your families pursue your education under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. (Hooah!) And by the way, we’re cracking down on those schools that have been trying to take your money and then rip you off by not giving you the education that you paid for. That needs to stop. We’re going to bring an end to that. (Hooah!)
 
We’re going to keep hiring our newest veterans in the federal government, and in communities as police officers and firefighters and first responders. Because we passed tax credits, more businesses can hire our veterans and wounded warriors. 
 
We’re making it easier for you to transfer your outstanding military skills to the licenses and credentials that you need to get that civilian job. If you’ve been a medic in theater, you shouldn’t have to start at nursing 101 if you decide you want to go into the medical profession here in the United States. (Hooah!) (Applause.) If you’ve been a mechanic on a multimillion-dollar piece of equipment, you shouldn’t have to come back and start all over again in getting credentialed to work on a car here in the United States. (Hooah!)
 
And maybe you’ve heard -- last year I challenged the private sector to hire or train 100,000 veterans or military spouses. Well, last week Michelle was able to announce that patriotic companies across America have actually exceeded that goal ahead of schedule with 125,000 jobs. (Hooah!) (Applause.)
 
But we’ve still got more work to do. So today I’m again calling on Congress to act. They’ve got some work they need to do. Pass the Veterans Jobs Corps so we can put more vets to work protecting and rebuilding America. Extend tax credits to businesses that hire our veterans. (Applause.) And I say to every company in America: If you want somebody who knows how to get the job done, if you want somebody who is going to make you proud, just like they made America proud -- then hire a vet. (Hooah!) Hire a vet. (Applause.) Because after fighting for America, you shouldn’t have to fight for a job in America. (Hooah!)
 
So, Team Bliss, these are America’s commitments to you and all who serve -- because we need to be there for you just like you were there for us -- not just this year or next, but for all the years to come. 
 
That’s the lesson of a soldier I had the honor to meet the last time I was in Afghanistan, visiting some of our wounded warriors in the hospital at Bagram. Sergeant Chase Haag is 22 years old. This past spring he was with his team when their vehicle got hit by an IED the day that I flew in. So when I arrived at his hospital room, he and his buddies were all in pretty bad shape. And he was certainly in bad shape -- his leg was broken, his back was fractured. He was laying there on his bed. He was under a lot of medication, face was swollen, his eyes were shut.
 
And at first, my attitude was I didn’t want to disturb him because I thought he was sleeping. And the doctor said, no, I think he can understand what you’re saying even if he can’t acknowledge it, and I think he’d appreciate knowing that you’re by his side. So I leaned in and I told Chase how proud I was of him and how proud the country was of him, and how we’d be praying for his recovery. 
 
And I was turning to leave and then something happened. There was a rustling under his blanket. And Chase never opened his eyes, couldn’t make a sound, but suddenly you saw the blanket lift and his arm came out. And he shook my hand -- a firm Army handshake. (Hooah!) And I don’t think there was a dry eye in that room.
 
And then a few months later I was visiting our wounded warriors at Walter Reed, and I walk around the corner and who’s there but Chase. He had endured multiple surgeries. He was persevering through physical therapy. But this time he was on his feet. He was walking again. And he had his dad next to him. And today he’s back where every soldier wants to be -- back with his unit. (Hooah!) (Applause.)
 
And it made me think, that’s just one moment in the life of one American soldier. But it captured the spirit, the resilience, the tenacity, the discipline, the resolve, the patriotism of all of you. 
 
For a decade, you have served under the dark cloud of war. You've endured great loss, and good men and women have given their last full measure of devotion. But we Americans are strong, and we are resilient, and we have resolve. And now, we can see a light -- the light of a new day on the horizon. And that’s because of you.
 
The war in Iraq is over. The transition is underway in Afghanistan. Our troops will keep coming home. And we are keeping our military ready for whatever the future may hold. But know this, Bliss -- we are moving forward stronger and more confident in knowing that when faced with great trials, we Americans do what we always do. We don’t just endure; we emerge stronger than before. 
 
And as we go forward as one nation, if the American people ever need inspiration, they just have to look at Bliss. They need only to look at you. For in you, we see the best that our country has to offer -- the virtues that have made America great for more than two centuries, and the values that will keep us great for centuries to come. 
 
It's the belief that all men are created equal; that we are endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights, and that among these are life and liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It's the sense of duty that says our country and our freedoms are worth fighting for. It's the selflessness that says I don’t care who gets the credit, but I'll do my part and we'll get the job done. The trust in one another, knowing that when the chips are down, the person next to you has got your back and you've got theirs. (Hooah!) The strength you draw from every part of our American family, every color, every creed, every background, every faith coming together, succeeding together as one American team. 
 
That’s who you are. That’s who we are. We are Americans. We pledge allegiance to the same proud flag. And we all love this country and all it represents to the world -- the hope, the opportunity. And we stand united in support of our troops and your families. And when we stand together and when we work together, when we take care of each other, we remind ourselves there's nothing we can't do, America's greatest days are yet to come, and that we remain the greatest force for freedom that the world has ever known.
 
So God bless you. God bless all our men and women in uniform. And God bless the United States of America. (Applause.) 
 
END
1:32 P.M. MDT