header graphic

Obama for America

"The President and First Lady Announce the 2012 Launch of Veterans and Military Families for Obama" +
  2:14 web video from May 17, 2012.

[Music] President Obama: "The most humbling part of my job is serving is serving as Commander in Chief of the world's finest military. And there's nothing I take more seriously than my responsibility to those who sacrifice their own safety to defend ours. That's why Michelle and I have made supporting veterans and military families a top priority from the start."

First Lady Michelle Obama: "Our veterans have done so much for this country and your families set an example for all of us. I can't say this enough: I am in awe of you."

President Obama: "Look how far we've come together in just three years. When I took office we had more than a 140,000 Americans troops in Iraq. Today we're safer and stronger. We've refocused our efforts on defeating Al Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan. We've brought Osama bin Laden to justice. And last December the First Lady and I were proud to welcome our troops home from Iraq. And were looking forward to doing the same as our service members come back from Afghanistan."

First Lady Michelle Obama: "You've fought so bravely for this country all around the world and when you hang up that uniform you shouldn't have to fight to get a job or receive the benefits you've earned here at home."

President Obama: "That's why my administration is making veteran's employment a national priority: from creating tax credits for businesses that hire unemployed veterans and wounded warriors to improving the post-911 GI BILL, the most comprehensive package of educational benefits for veterans in more than 60 years. It's why we've boosted the veteran affairs budget every year since I've been in office. To make sure that every veteran has access to physical and mental health care that they need. It's why we systematically reform the way we fund health care for veterans and are hiring thousands of claims processors to get the veterans their benefits faster."

First Lady Michelle Obama: "Supporting veterans and military families means doing everything we can to serve you as well as you served our country. Barack has your backs and he's just getting started."

President Obama: "So visit BarackObama.com/Veterans. Join Veterans and Military Families for Obama and thanks for your service."


Notes: The campaign officially launched Veterans and Military Families for Obama in an event featuring Beau Biden, the oldest son of Vice President Joe Biden, Delaware Attorney General, and Major in the Delaware Army National Guard, at the Half Moone Cruise and Convention Center in Norfolk, VA on the evening of May 17, 2012.