Obama Visits Alaska, Pledges Commitments

Europa Newswire

Photo by Master Sgt. Jerry Morrison.

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama told service members in Alaska Nov.
12 he will not risk their lives without a clear mission, the equipment
they need and the strategy required to succeed.

Obama stopped at Elmendorf Air Force Base on his way to meetings in
Asia. The president told the crowd that he has no greater honor than
serving as commander-in-chief.

Obama told the service members he will never hesitate to use force to
protect the American people or the nation's vital interests. "But I
also make you this promise: I will not risk your lives unless it is
necessary to America's vital interests," he said. "And if it is
necessary, the United States of America will have your back. We'll give
you the strategy and clear mission you deserve. We will give you the
equipment and support you need to get the job done – and that includes
public support back home. That is a promise I make to you."


The president praised service members for their spirit and service in a
time of war. "That's a sense of responsibility on your part: The belief
that the blessings we cherish as Americans are not gifts that we take
for granted, they are freedoms that are earned," he said. "It is your
sense of unity – coming from every corner of he country, from every
color and creed and every faith and every station – to take care of
each other and to succeed together as Americans."

The United States has the finest military in the world because the nation has the best personnel, the president said.

Obama thanked the service members and their families for their
sacrifices, noting that airmen from Elmendorf and soldiers from
neighboring Fort Richardson are serving in harm's way around the world.

The president assured service members that the American people
appreciate their sacrifices and they are grateful for their service.
"They honor you," he said, adding "just as you have fulfilled your
responsibilities to your nation, your nation will fulfill its
responsibilities to you."

Obama detailed his commitment to service members and their families.
"We will make sure you can meet the missions we ask of you," he said.
He cited the increase in funding for the Air Force and Army in the
recent Defense budget.

He also promised that the nation will have the right force structure,
noting that his administration halted the downsizing of the Air Force
and has increased the size of the Army.

"We will spend our defense dollars wisely," he said. "We're cutting
tens of billions of dollars in waste in projects that even the Pentagon
says it doesn't need, money that's better spent on taking care of you
and your families and building the 21st century military we do need."

As troops serve around the world, Obama promised to take care of the
families at home. "Your family is a priority for our family," he said.
"We're increasing pay, we're increasing child care, we're increasing
support to help spouses and families deal with the stress and
separation of war."

Finally, the president vowed that the nation will be there for
servicemembers when they come home. He pointed to care for those with
traumatic brain injuries, or suffering from post-traumatic stress.

"We're funding the Post 9/11 GI Bill because we want to give you and
your families the chance to pursue your dreams," Obama said. "We're
making the biggest commitment to our veterans – the largest percentage
increase in the VA budget in more than 30 years."

The country's obligation to the military "is a sacred trust, that we are honor-bound to uphold" he said.

The president left here to fly to Japan for meetings with the new
government there. He will then go to Singapore where to participate in
the Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, and meet with
Association of Southeast Asian Nations. He then is scheduled to go on
to China, where he will meet with President Hu Jintao. Finally, Obama
is to visit South Korea where he will consult with President Lee
Myung-bak.

Source: Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs.

Story by Jim Garamone.

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