English subtitles for clip: File:President Obama Speaks at the 95th DAV Convention.webm
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1 00:00:00,367 --> 00:00:00,997 The President: Thank you. 2 00:00:01,000 --> 00:00:03,270 Please, everybody, have a seat. 3 00:00:03,269 --> 00:00:04,739 What an honor to be with you today. 4 00:00:04,738 --> 00:00:07,608 (applause) 5 00:00:07,607 --> 00:00:09,347 Thank you. 6 00:00:09,342 --> 00:00:11,112 And thanks to Bobby. 7 00:00:11,111 --> 00:00:14,011 I'll never forget the time Bobby came to the Oval 8 00:00:14,013 --> 00:00:16,313 Office -- carrying a baseball bat. 9 00:00:16,316 --> 00:00:18,886 (laughter) 10 00:00:18,885 --> 00:00:20,385 Secret Service got a little nervous. 11 00:00:20,387 --> 00:00:22,187 (laughter) 12 00:00:22,188 --> 00:00:25,558 But it was a genuine Louisville Slugger -- a 13 00:00:25,558 --> 00:00:29,928 thank-you for going to bat for our veterans. 14 00:00:29,929 --> 00:00:33,169 And I want to thank Bobby for your devotion to our 15 00:00:33,166 --> 00:00:36,006 veterans, especially your fellow Vietnam vets. 16 00:00:36,002 --> 00:00:36,772 Thank you. 17 00:00:36,770 --> 00:00:37,670 Give Bobby a big round of applause. 18 00:00:37,670 --> 00:00:42,280 (applause) 19 00:00:42,275 --> 00:00:43,145 Audience Member: I love you! 20 00:00:43,143 --> 00:00:44,113 The President: I love you back. 21 00:00:44,110 --> 00:00:46,180 (applause) 22 00:00:46,179 --> 00:00:49,349 I do! 23 00:00:49,349 --> 00:00:52,449 I want to thank our outstanding leadership team 24 00:00:52,452 --> 00:00:56,752 for welcoming me today, including National Commander 25 00:00:56,756 --> 00:00:58,026 Moses McIntosh. 26 00:00:58,024 --> 00:01:01,124 (applause) 27 00:01:01,127 --> 00:01:02,927 Senior Vice Commander Dave Riley. 28 00:01:02,929 --> 00:01:05,599 (applause) 29 00:01:05,598 --> 00:01:08,768 National Adjutant Mark Burgess. 30 00:01:08,768 --> 00:01:11,838 (applause) 31 00:01:11,838 --> 00:01:15,508 Executive Director Barry Jesinoski. 32 00:01:15,508 --> 00:01:18,548 (applause) 33 00:01:18,545 --> 00:01:20,715 Your voice in Washington, Garry Augustine. 34 00:01:20,713 --> 00:01:23,613 (applause) 35 00:01:23,616 --> 00:01:27,186 And, don't forget, Pat Kemper and all the spouses 36 00:01:27,187 --> 00:01:29,327 and families of the DAV Auxiliary. 37 00:01:29,322 --> 00:01:30,152 Thank you. 38 00:01:30,156 --> 00:01:33,956 (applause) 39 00:01:33,960 --> 00:01:37,460 I also want to acknowledge Mayor Kasim Reed and County 40 00:01:37,464 --> 00:01:40,434 Chairman John Eaves for welcoming us to the great 41 00:01:40,433 --> 00:01:43,533 state of Georgia and the beautiful city of Atlanta. 42 00:01:43,536 --> 00:01:46,876 (applause) 43 00:01:46,873 --> 00:01:48,813 I am pleased to be joined by our tireless Secretary of 44 00:01:48,808 --> 00:01:50,348 the VA, Bob McDonald. 45 00:01:50,343 --> 00:01:51,913 (applause) 46 00:01:51,911 --> 00:01:53,711 I know he spoke to you yesterday. 47 00:01:53,713 --> 00:02:00,053 He is working hard -- hard -- every single day to 48 00:02:00,053 --> 00:02:02,523 transform the VA to serve our veterans better. 49 00:02:02,522 --> 00:02:06,462 He still gives out his cellphone number and his email. 50 00:02:06,459 --> 00:02:09,359 Not many people know this, but, so far, he's received 51 00:02:09,362 --> 00:02:12,302 more than 45,000 calls, emails and texts. 52 00:02:12,298 --> 00:02:15,098 (laughter) 53 00:02:15,101 --> 00:02:17,801 And I don't know what his phone bill is looking like -- 54 00:02:17,804 --> 00:02:18,834 (laughter) 55 00:02:18,838 --> 00:02:20,108 -- I hope he has a good plan. 56 00:02:20,106 --> 00:02:21,876 (laughter) 57 00:02:21,875 --> 00:02:25,375 But Bob and his team work to deal with each one of those 58 00:02:25,378 --> 00:02:28,918 texts or emails or phone calls he receives because 59 00:02:28,915 --> 00:02:32,355 every single veteran matters. 60 00:02:32,352 --> 00:02:32,982 And he knows that. 61 00:02:32,986 --> 00:02:34,316 So, thank you, Bob, for the great work you're doing. 62 00:02:34,320 --> 00:02:39,590 (applause) 63 00:02:39,592 --> 00:02:40,692 So it's good to be back 64 00:02:40,693 --> 00:02:43,463 with the Disabled American Veterans. 65 00:02:43,463 --> 00:02:46,233 What a journey that we've had together. 66 00:02:46,232 --> 00:02:47,572 Audience Member: Glad to have you! 67 00:02:47,567 --> 00:02:48,537 The President: It's great to be here. 68 00:02:48,535 --> 00:02:51,235 We worked together back when I was a senator. 69 00:02:51,237 --> 00:02:54,407 You were one of the first veterans' organizations I 70 00:02:54,407 --> 00:02:56,407 called when I ran for President. 71 00:02:56,409 --> 00:03:00,149 I welcomed you to the White House as a partner. 72 00:03:00,146 --> 00:03:04,756 I came to your convention in my first term, and my 73 00:03:04,751 --> 00:03:07,251 second, along with Michelle. 74 00:03:07,253 --> 00:03:11,053 And so it is fitting that my final major address to our 75 00:03:11,057 --> 00:03:15,567 nation's veterans as President is here at the DAV. 76 00:03:15,562 --> 00:03:22,472 (applause) 77 00:03:22,468 --> 00:03:27,638 And as I reflect on these past eight years, some of 78 00:03:27,640 --> 00:03:30,040 the most unforgettable experiences that I've had 79 00:03:30,043 --> 00:03:34,283 have been moments I've spent with you -- America's 80 00:03:34,280 --> 00:03:36,350 veterans and your families. 81 00:03:36,349 --> 00:03:39,849 We stood together at Arlington to honor Corporal 82 00:03:39,852 --> 00:03:45,362 Frank Buckles, 110 years old -- our last veteran from the 83 00:03:45,358 --> 00:03:50,368 First World War -- as he was laid to rest. 84 00:03:50,363 --> 00:03:53,463 I ordered our flags to be flown at half-staff because, 85 00:03:53,466 --> 00:03:56,736 even after 100 years, we will never stop saluting 86 00:03:56,736 --> 00:03:58,176 those who served in our name. 87 00:03:58,171 --> 00:04:04,441 (applause) 88 00:04:04,444 --> 00:04:07,344 We stood together at Normandy to thank an entire 89 00:04:07,347 --> 00:04:11,987 generation -- among them, my grandfather, who was in 90 00:04:11,985 --> 00:04:15,685 Patton's Army -- a generation that literally 91 00:04:15,688 --> 00:04:17,258 saved the world. 92 00:04:17,256 --> 00:04:23,326 There was Harry Kulkowitz, who returned to the beaches 93 00:04:23,329 --> 00:04:26,369 he helped liberate -- and told he could have anything 94 00:04:26,366 --> 00:04:29,636 he wanted, said with the humility of a soldier, a 95 00:04:29,636 --> 00:04:31,576 hamburger will do just fine. 96 00:04:31,571 --> 00:04:34,411 (laughter) 97 00:04:34,407 --> 00:04:41,017 I think of Luta McGrath -- this past Veterans Day, just 98 00:04:41,014 --> 00:04:46,654 before her 108th birthday, then the oldest known female 99 00:04:46,653 --> 00:04:50,223 veteran of World War II, which was a reminder that 100 00:04:50,223 --> 00:04:53,063 women have always served to keep America strong and free. 101 00:04:53,059 --> 00:05:01,369 (applause) 102 00:05:01,367 --> 00:05:03,037 We've stood together at the memorial to our Korean War 103 00:05:03,036 --> 00:05:07,036 veterans and recalled how a soldier, marching through 104 00:05:07,040 --> 00:05:10,240 the snow, had a tiny pair of baby booties hanging from 105 00:05:10,243 --> 00:05:15,983 his rifle -- a reminder of his unborn child -- a story 106 00:05:15,982 --> 00:05:18,252 that had been lost to history. 107 00:05:18,251 --> 00:05:18,881 But we tracked him down. 108 00:05:18,885 --> 00:05:20,085 We found him. 109 00:05:20,086 --> 00:05:23,686 And we shared the story of Korean War veteran Dick 110 00:05:23,690 --> 00:05:27,090 Shank, who made it home to that baby boy, and lived out 111 00:05:27,093 --> 00:05:30,863 his life -- at 84 years old, he was still roller skating 112 00:05:30,863 --> 00:05:34,833 -- because no war should ever be forgotten and no 113 00:05:34,834 --> 00:05:36,504 veteran should ever be overlooked. 114 00:05:36,502 --> 00:05:38,872 (applause) 115 00:05:38,871 --> 00:05:45,041 We've stood together at the Wall and remembered the 116 00:05:45,044 --> 00:05:49,014 lessons of Vietnam -- that even when Americans may 117 00:05:49,015 --> 00:05:52,615 disagree about a war, we have to stand united in 118 00:05:52,618 --> 00:05:54,018 support of our troops. 119 00:05:54,020 --> 00:05:59,430 (applause) 120 00:05:59,425 --> 00:06:04,765 And that for mothers like Sarah Shay, who honored her 121 00:06:04,764 --> 00:06:08,334 missing son for more than 40 years, we will never stop 122 00:06:08,334 --> 00:06:10,674 working to bring home our prisoners of war and our 123 00:06:10,670 --> 00:06:12,240 missing in action. 124 00:06:12,238 --> 00:06:13,508 We leave nobody behind. 125 00:06:13,506 --> 00:06:14,506 No one. 126 00:06:14,507 --> 00:06:19,217 (applause) 127 00:06:19,212 --> 00:06:21,752 And we've come together to welcome our newest veterans 128 00:06:21,748 --> 00:06:26,318 into your ranks -- from Desert Storm, the Balkans, 129 00:06:26,319 --> 00:06:32,389 Afghanistan, and Iraq -- our proud 9/11 Generation. 130 00:06:32,391 --> 00:06:36,191 This is a time of transition. 131 00:06:36,195 --> 00:06:41,505 When I came into office, we had nearly 180,000 American 132 00:06:41,501 --> 00:06:43,701 troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. 133 00:06:43,703 --> 00:06:46,043 Today, that number is less than 15,000. 134 00:06:46,038 --> 00:06:47,378 Most of our troops have come home. 135 00:06:47,373 --> 00:06:51,613 (applause) 136 00:06:51,611 --> 00:06:55,011 To all of you who served in Afghanistan, you can take 137 00:06:55,014 --> 00:06:58,284 enormous pride in the progress you helped achieve: 138 00:06:58,284 --> 00:07:00,384 Driving al Qaeda out of its camps. 139 00:07:00,386 --> 00:07:01,786 Toppling the Taliban. 140 00:07:01,788 --> 00:07:04,128 Delivering justice to Osama bin Laden. 141 00:07:04,123 --> 00:07:07,463 Helping Afghans improve their lives. 142 00:07:07,460 --> 00:07:10,260 There are millions of boys and girls in school, and 143 00:07:10,263 --> 00:07:13,803 democratic elections and a democratic government. 144 00:07:13,800 --> 00:07:17,700 Training Afghan forces to take responsibility for 145 00:07:17,703 --> 00:07:20,143 their own security so that we are no longer engaged in 146 00:07:20,139 --> 00:07:22,679 a major ground war in Afghanistan. 147 00:07:22,675 --> 00:07:24,075 That is your legacy. 148 00:07:24,076 --> 00:07:26,876 And today we salute our forces serving there on a 149 00:07:26,879 --> 00:07:31,079 more limited mission -- supporting Afghan forces, 150 00:07:31,083 --> 00:07:33,723 going after terrorists -- because we must never allow 151 00:07:33,719 --> 00:07:37,059 Afghanistan to be used as a safe haven for terrorists to 152 00:07:37,056 --> 00:07:38,396 attack our nation again. 153 00:07:38,391 --> 00:07:44,661 (applause) 154 00:07:44,664 --> 00:07:49,504 To all of you who served in Iraq, we saw your heroism in 155 00:07:49,502 --> 00:07:52,542 pushing out a dictator whose brutality must be condemned, 156 00:07:52,538 --> 00:07:55,278 never praised. 157 00:07:55,274 --> 00:07:57,774 In defeating an insurgency. 158 00:07:57,777 --> 00:08:01,317 In giving the Iraqi people a chance. 159 00:08:01,314 --> 00:08:03,614 And no matter what has happened since, your valor 160 00:08:03,616 --> 00:08:07,856 in the deserts, in fierce urban combat, will be 161 00:08:07,854 --> 00:08:11,224 honored in the annals of military history. 162 00:08:11,224 --> 00:08:14,824 Let me say something else about this generation. 163 00:08:14,827 --> 00:08:17,897 As Commander-in-Chief, I'm pretty tired of some folks 164 00:08:17,897 --> 00:08:20,637 trash-talking America's military and troops. 165 00:08:20,633 --> 00:08:28,143 (applause) 166 00:08:28,140 --> 00:08:34,250 Our military is somewhat smaller -- after two major 167 00:08:34,247 --> 00:08:40,387 ground wars come to a close, that's natural. 168 00:08:40,386 --> 00:08:42,986 And we're going to keep doing everything we need to 169 00:08:42,989 --> 00:08:46,559 do to improve readiness and modernize our forces. 170 00:08:46,559 --> 00:08:48,029 But let's get some facts straight. 171 00:08:48,027 --> 00:08:50,267 America's Army is the best-trained, best-equipped 172 00:08:50,263 --> 00:08:51,293 land force on the planet. 173 00:08:51,297 --> 00:08:55,907 (applause) 174 00:08:55,902 --> 00:08:59,072 Our Navy is the largest and most lethal in the world. 175 00:08:59,071 --> 00:09:01,211 (applause) 176 00:09:01,207 --> 00:09:03,547 The precision of, and reach of, our Air Force 177 00:09:03,542 --> 00:09:04,582 is unmatched. 178 00:09:04,577 --> 00:09:07,017 (applause) 179 00:09:07,013 --> 00:09:10,753 Our Marines are the world's only truly expeditionary force. 180 00:09:10,750 --> 00:09:12,620 (applause) 181 00:09:12,618 --> 00:09:14,618 We have the world's finest Coast Guard. 182 00:09:14,620 --> 00:09:16,420 (applause) 183 00:09:16,422 --> 00:09:19,162 We have the most capable fighting force in history -- 184 00:09:19,158 --> 00:09:19,888 and we're going to keep it that way. 185 00:09:19,892 --> 00:09:26,262 (applause) 186 00:09:26,265 --> 00:09:28,665 And no ally or adversary should ever doubt our 187 00:09:28,668 --> 00:09:33,138 strength and our resolve. 188 00:09:33,139 --> 00:09:36,939 And we will keep pounding ISIL and taking out their 189 00:09:36,943 --> 00:09:39,943 leaders, and pushing them back on the ground. 190 00:09:39,946 --> 00:09:42,686 And united with a global coalition, we will destroy 191 00:09:42,682 --> 00:09:45,422 this barbaric terrorist group. 192 00:09:45,418 --> 00:09:46,848 They will be destroyed. 193 00:09:46,852 --> 00:09:49,622 (applause) 194 00:09:49,622 --> 00:09:51,592 In the face of Russian aggression, we're not going 195 00:09:51,590 --> 00:09:54,830 to turn our back to our allies in Europe. 196 00:09:54,827 --> 00:09:57,027 We're going to stay united in NATO, which is the 197 00:09:57,029 --> 00:09:58,399 world's strongest alliance. 198 00:09:58,397 --> 00:10:02,667 (applause) 199 00:10:02,668 --> 00:10:05,038 From the Asia Pacific to Africa to the Americas, the 200 00:10:05,037 --> 00:10:07,807 United States and our armed forces will remain the 201 00:10:07,807 --> 00:10:12,177 greatest force for freedom and security and peace that 202 00:10:12,178 --> 00:10:14,148 the world has ever known. 203 00:10:14,146 --> 00:10:15,416 That is your legacy. 204 00:10:15,414 --> 00:10:17,714 That is what we have to protect, and that is what we 205 00:10:17,717 --> 00:10:18,487 have to defend. 206 00:10:18,484 --> 00:10:24,224 (applause) 207 00:10:24,223 --> 00:10:33,633 And let me say this: No one -- no one -- has given more 208 00:10:33,632 --> 00:10:36,432 for our freedom and our security than our Gold 209 00:10:36,435 --> 00:10:38,135 Star families. 210 00:10:38,137 --> 00:10:43,377 (applause) 211 00:10:43,376 --> 00:10:45,976 Michelle and I have spent countless hours with them. 212 00:10:45,978 --> 00:10:47,818 We have grieved with them. 213 00:10:47,813 --> 00:10:51,413 There's a reason why, last week in Philadelphia, I was 214 00:10:51,417 --> 00:10:58,027 humbled to be introduced by Sharon Belkofer from Ohio, a 215 00:10:58,024 --> 00:11:01,864 Gold Star mom whose son, Tom, a lieutenant colonel in 216 00:11:01,861 --> 00:11:04,331 the Army, gave his life in Afghanistan. 217 00:11:04,330 --> 00:11:07,730 I requested Sharon to introduce me, because I 218 00:11:07,733 --> 00:11:11,603 understood that our Gold Star families have made a 219 00:11:11,604 --> 00:11:15,244 sacrifice that most of us cannot even begin to imagine. 220 00:11:15,241 --> 00:11:17,641 They represent the very best of our country. 221 00:11:17,643 --> 00:11:19,113 (applause) 222 00:11:19,111 --> 00:11:23,581 They continue to inspire us every day, every moment. 223 00:11:23,582 --> 00:11:27,522 They serve as a powerful reminder of the true 224 00:11:27,520 --> 00:11:30,160 strength of America. 225 00:11:30,156 --> 00:11:34,856 We have to do everything we can for those families, and 226 00:11:34,860 --> 00:11:41,130 honor them, and be humbled by them. 227 00:11:41,133 --> 00:11:48,143 DAV, I know that your service has also been 228 00:11:48,140 --> 00:11:50,140 defined by another battle. 229 00:11:50,142 --> 00:11:53,512 This is a group that understands sacrifice. 230 00:11:53,512 --> 00:11:57,182 (applause) 231 00:11:57,183 --> 00:12:00,223 You've been defined by the battle here at home to 232 00:12:00,219 --> 00:12:06,959 persevere through wounds and disabilities. 233 00:12:06,959 --> 00:12:10,059 I think of a veteran from Iraq who lost her arm but 234 00:12:10,062 --> 00:12:13,162 who said she decided to focus "not on what I had 235 00:12:13,165 --> 00:12:16,835 lost, but on what I still had." 236 00:12:16,836 --> 00:12:20,676 I see that same spirit in you. 237 00:12:20,673 --> 00:12:22,713 Maybe it was there in the hospital bed, fighting for 238 00:12:22,708 --> 00:12:26,778 your life, you learned what it really means to have faith. 239 00:12:26,779 --> 00:12:31,049 Maybe it was during rehab, learning how to live without 240 00:12:31,050 --> 00:12:34,650 a leg, or both, you learned what it really means 241 00:12:34,653 --> 00:12:38,223 to persevere. 242 00:12:38,224 --> 00:12:42,094 About a month ago, I went to Walter Reed -- I do this 243 00:12:42,094 --> 00:12:46,194 periodically -- and was in the rehab unit watching some 244 00:12:46,198 --> 00:12:47,438 of these folks work out. 245 00:12:47,433 --> 00:12:49,073 And I decided -- you might have seen this -- I was 246 00:12:49,068 --> 00:12:50,068 doing some pushups with them and -- 247 00:12:50,069 --> 00:12:51,709 (laughter) 248 00:12:51,704 --> 00:12:52,734 -- trying to keep up with them. 249 00:12:52,738 --> 00:12:53,878 And I was sweating and getting all tired. 250 00:12:53,873 --> 00:12:55,373 (laughter) 251 00:12:55,374 --> 00:12:57,614 They took it easy on me. 252 00:12:57,610 --> 00:12:59,980 (laughter) 253 00:12:59,979 --> 00:13:02,879 But it gave me a sense of -- just a small sense of what 254 00:13:02,882 --> 00:13:06,682 perseverance really means. 255 00:13:06,685 --> 00:13:09,255 Maybe it was during the night when the memories came 256 00:13:09,255 --> 00:13:12,795 rushing back -- and you summoned the courage to 257 00:13:12,791 --> 00:13:16,591 reach out and get help and stay strong. 258 00:13:16,595 --> 00:13:19,595 And I was proud to help recognize your patriotism 259 00:13:19,598 --> 00:13:21,868 and resilience in the heart of our nation's capital when 260 00:13:21,867 --> 00:13:24,367 we dedicated the American Veterans Disabled For 261 00:13:24,370 --> 00:13:25,770 Life Memorial. 262 00:13:25,771 --> 00:13:31,211 (applause) 263 00:13:31,210 --> 00:13:37,780 This organization shows us, shows this nation, what it 264 00:13:37,783 --> 00:13:39,823 means to be strong. 265 00:13:39,818 --> 00:13:43,118 But as strong as you are -- and nobody is stronger than 266 00:13:43,122 --> 00:13:46,662 our disabled vets -- I know you didn't make this 267 00:13:46,659 --> 00:13:48,829 journey alone. 268 00:13:48,827 --> 00:13:51,527 You're here because of the love and support of your 269 00:13:51,530 --> 00:13:54,700 families and your caregivers and your neighbors and your 270 00:13:54,700 --> 00:13:57,640 communities and your fellow veterans. 271 00:13:57,636 --> 00:14:00,976 (applause) 272 00:14:00,973 --> 00:14:04,143 They were the shoulder you leaned on, who carried you 273 00:14:04,143 --> 00:14:07,583 when you couldn't walk, who picked you up when you 274 00:14:07,580 --> 00:14:12,250 stumbled, who celebrated your victories with you, who 275 00:14:12,251 --> 00:14:17,291 sometimes just made you laugh and reminded you how 276 00:14:17,289 --> 00:14:20,429 good life can be. 277 00:14:20,426 --> 00:14:25,026 And that brings me to what I want to talk about here today. 278 00:14:25,030 --> 00:14:28,600 For more than two centuries, this country that we love 279 00:14:28,601 --> 00:14:30,701 hasn't just endured; we have thrived. 280 00:14:30,703 --> 00:14:33,003 We have overcome challenges that would have broken a 281 00:14:33,005 --> 00:14:34,775 lesser nation. 282 00:14:34,773 --> 00:14:37,713 And not thanks to any one person or one group of 283 00:14:37,710 --> 00:14:41,150 people, but because, like you learned in the military, 284 00:14:41,146 --> 00:14:42,886 we're all one team. 285 00:14:42,881 --> 00:14:46,421 We believe in taking care of each other, and in lifting 286 00:14:46,418 --> 00:14:50,188 each other up, and leaving no one behind, and in 287 00:14:50,189 --> 00:14:53,359 meeting the collective responsibilities that we can 288 00:14:53,359 --> 00:14:57,159 only meet together: The security of our nation. 289 00:14:57,162 --> 00:14:59,162 The education for our children. 290 00:14:59,164 --> 00:15:00,504 Dignity for our seniors. 291 00:15:00,499 --> 00:15:02,869 Equal rights for all of our citizens. 292 00:15:02,868 --> 00:15:05,908 Health care -- which is now a right for everybody. 293 00:15:05,904 --> 00:15:08,744 And the care and well-being of our veterans and 294 00:15:08,741 --> 00:15:10,311 your families. 295 00:15:10,309 --> 00:15:14,209 That is a responsibility for all of us, not just a few. 296 00:15:14,213 --> 00:15:19,083 We all have to do our part. 297 00:15:19,084 --> 00:15:22,584 And as I've said before, America's commitment to our 298 00:15:22,588 --> 00:15:24,758 veterans is not just lines in a budget. 299 00:15:24,757 --> 00:15:28,627 And it can't be about politics. 300 00:15:28,627 --> 00:15:32,127 It's not even really about policy. 301 00:15:32,131 --> 00:15:34,571 Our commitment to our veterans is a sacred covenant. 302 00:15:34,566 --> 00:15:36,136 And I don't use those words lightly. 303 00:15:36,135 --> 00:15:38,775 (applause) 304 00:15:38,771 --> 00:15:45,981 It is sacred because there's no more solemn request than 305 00:15:45,978 --> 00:15:54,088 to ask someone to risk their life, to be ready to give 306 00:15:54,086 --> 00:15:58,256 their life on our behalf. 307 00:15:58,257 --> 00:16:01,557 It's a covenant because both sides have responsibilities. 308 00:16:01,560 --> 00:16:04,260 Those who put on the uniform, you took an oath to 309 00:16:04,263 --> 00:16:06,963 protect and defend us. 310 00:16:06,965 --> 00:16:11,305 While the rest of us, the citizens you kept safe, we 311 00:16:11,303 --> 00:16:14,673 pledged to take care of you and your families when you 312 00:16:14,673 --> 00:16:16,473 come home. 313 00:16:16,475 --> 00:16:18,045 That's a sacred covenant. 314 00:16:18,043 --> 00:16:20,583 That's a solemn promise that we make to each other. 315 00:16:20,579 --> 00:16:22,349 And it is binding. 316 00:16:22,348 --> 00:16:24,988 And upholding it is a moral imperative. 317 00:16:24,983 --> 00:16:28,923 (applause) 318 00:16:28,921 --> 00:16:32,961 And at times, our nation has not always upheld 319 00:16:32,958 --> 00:16:34,728 this covenant. 320 00:16:34,727 --> 00:16:39,867 Our Vietnam vets, they sure know this. 321 00:16:39,865 --> 00:16:41,335 Audience Members: Yes! 322 00:16:41,333 --> 00:16:43,873 The President: When you came home, you deserved better. 323 00:16:43,869 --> 00:16:46,809 (applause) 324 00:16:46,805 --> 00:16:50,975 Veterans who at times have struggled to get care at the 325 00:16:50,976 --> 00:16:53,716 VA, you deserve better, too. 326 00:16:53,712 --> 00:16:56,212 (applause) 327 00:16:56,215 --> 00:17:01,925 If there's ever a breach in the covenant, then leaders 328 00:17:01,920 --> 00:17:06,020 in this country have to work hard to regain trust. 329 00:17:06,024 --> 00:17:08,894 That's what Bob and so many hardworking people at the VA 330 00:17:08,894 --> 00:17:10,194 are doing. 331 00:17:10,195 --> 00:17:14,095 But upholding this covenant has to be the work of all of us. 332 00:17:14,099 --> 00:17:15,299 It's not just the VA's job. 333 00:17:15,300 --> 00:17:16,440 It's everybody's job. 334 00:17:16,435 --> 00:17:19,775 Government has to deliver the care and benefits and 335 00:17:19,772 --> 00:17:21,142 support that you have earned. 336 00:17:21,140 --> 00:17:24,510 Veteran service organizations have to hold 337 00:17:24,510 --> 00:17:28,110 us accountable and be our partners, like the 1.3 338 00:17:28,113 --> 00:17:31,453 million members of the DAV are doing every day. 339 00:17:31,450 --> 00:17:35,290 And citizens have to step up, too -- which is why 340 00:17:35,287 --> 00:17:38,657 Michelle and Dr. Jill Biden, through Joining Forces, have 341 00:17:38,657 --> 00:17:40,697 rallied the American people to honor and support our 342 00:17:40,692 --> 00:17:43,262 military families and our veterans. 343 00:17:43,262 --> 00:17:47,032 Now, we've got a lot more work to do. 344 00:17:47,032 --> 00:17:52,702 But working together over these past eight years, 345 00:17:52,704 --> 00:17:55,204 we've delivered real progress for our veterans. 346 00:17:55,207 --> 00:17:55,707 And we can't let up. 347 00:17:55,707 --> 00:17:56,377 It's not a reason for complacency, but we should 348 00:17:56,375 --> 00:17:58,915 understand that when we really put our sweat and 349 00:17:58,911 --> 00:18:05,351 tears and put our shoulder to the wheel, we can make 350 00:18:05,350 --> 00:18:06,750 things better. 351 00:18:06,752 --> 00:18:11,722 About 200,000 servicemembers are becoming veterans every 352 00:18:11,723 --> 00:18:13,263 single year. 353 00:18:13,258 --> 00:18:16,058 And America is going to have to be there for you for a 354 00:18:16,061 --> 00:18:19,361 lifetime in five important ways. 355 00:18:19,364 --> 00:18:22,704 Number one, we have to keep fighting for the resources 356 00:18:22,701 --> 00:18:23,801 you need. 357 00:18:23,802 --> 00:18:27,972 Now, since I took office, we've made historic 358 00:18:27,973 --> 00:18:31,113 increases in veterans funding -- the biggest boost 359 00:18:31,109 --> 00:18:31,779 in decades. 360 00:18:31,777 --> 00:18:34,377 That's a fact. 361 00:18:34,379 --> 00:18:37,049 (applause) 362 00:18:37,049 --> 00:18:39,089 And I've proposed another increase for next year. 363 00:18:39,084 --> 00:18:42,184 (applause) 364 00:18:42,187 --> 00:18:47,997 So altogether, during my presidency, we will have 365 00:18:47,993 --> 00:18:49,963 increased funding for veterans by more than 366 00:18:49,962 --> 00:18:51,192 85 percent. 367 00:18:51,196 --> 00:18:56,266 (applause) 368 00:18:56,268 --> 00:18:58,738 With advance appropriations, we're protecting veterans' 369 00:18:58,737 --> 00:19:03,707 health care from the annual Washington budget battles. 370 00:19:03,709 --> 00:19:08,979 But I do have to point this out -- Republicans in 371 00:19:08,981 --> 00:19:11,381 Congress have proposed cutting my VA budget. 372 00:19:11,383 --> 00:19:13,953 And when they return in the fall, they should pass the 373 00:19:13,952 --> 00:19:18,292 budget our veterans need -- and fund it, fully. 374 00:19:18,290 --> 00:19:20,660 Don't just talk about standing with veterans. 375 00:19:20,659 --> 00:19:22,659 Don't just talk about me. 376 00:19:22,661 --> 00:19:26,031 (laughter) 377 00:19:26,031 --> 00:19:29,171 Do something to support our veterans. 378 00:19:29,167 --> 00:19:29,767 That's what you need to do. 379 00:19:29,768 --> 00:19:36,578 (applause) 380 00:19:36,575 --> 00:19:41,885 Number two, we've got to keep fighting to deliver the 381 00:19:41,880 --> 00:19:44,250 health care you've been promised. 382 00:19:44,249 --> 00:19:46,989 Today, more of our Vietnam vets are getting your 383 00:19:46,985 --> 00:19:50,085 disability benefits because of your exposure to 384 00:19:50,088 --> 00:19:51,358 Agent Orange. 385 00:19:51,356 --> 00:19:53,156 That's a change that we made. 386 00:19:53,158 --> 00:19:56,158 So, too, for our Desert Storm veterans, because of 387 00:19:56,161 --> 00:19:58,731 the illnesses tied to the Gulf War. 388 00:19:58,730 --> 00:20:00,830 Those are changes we made. 389 00:20:00,832 --> 00:20:04,302 Altogether, we've made VA benefits available to more 390 00:20:04,303 --> 00:20:07,703 than 2 million veterans who didn't have them before. 391 00:20:07,706 --> 00:20:10,146 (applause) 392 00:20:10,142 --> 00:20:16,282 Let's face it, sometimes folks don't know that, but 393 00:20:16,281 --> 00:20:18,521 it's a fact. 394 00:20:18,517 --> 00:20:23,157 And I have to say, thanks to the Affordable Care Act -- 395 00:20:23,155 --> 00:20:23,825 Obamacare -- 396 00:20:23,822 --> 00:20:25,922 (applause) 397 00:20:25,924 --> 00:20:30,664 -- veterans not covered by the VA now have access to 398 00:20:30,662 --> 00:20:32,562 quality, affordable health care. 399 00:20:32,564 --> 00:20:33,934 And insurance companies can't discriminate against 400 00:20:33,932 --> 00:20:36,702 you because of preexisting conditions like 401 00:20:36,702 --> 00:20:37,902 post-traumatic stress. 402 00:20:37,903 --> 00:20:39,873 (applause) 403 00:20:39,871 --> 00:20:41,271 And more veterans are gaining access to 404 00:20:41,273 --> 00:20:43,643 health insurance. 405 00:20:43,642 --> 00:20:47,542 So we need to keep making it easier to access care. 406 00:20:47,546 --> 00:20:49,546 That's why we recruited some of the best talent from 407 00:20:49,548 --> 00:20:52,018 Silicon Valley and the private sector. 408 00:20:52,017 --> 00:20:55,457 And in one of their first innovations, veterans can 409 00:20:55,454 --> 00:20:58,854 now finally apply for VA health care anytime, 410 00:20:58,857 --> 00:21:02,257 anywhere, from any device, including your smartphone -- 411 00:21:02,260 --> 00:21:07,300 simple, easy, in as little as 20 minutes. 412 00:21:07,299 --> 00:21:09,339 Just go to Vets.gov. 413 00:21:09,334 --> 00:21:11,274 The days of having to wait in line at a VA office, or 414 00:21:11,269 --> 00:21:12,609 mailing it in -- those days are over. 415 00:21:12,604 --> 00:21:14,374 (applause) 416 00:21:14,373 --> 00:21:17,943 We're finally moving into the 21st century when it 417 00:21:17,943 --> 00:21:19,783 comes to helping our veterans. 418 00:21:19,778 --> 00:21:20,308 It's about time. 419 00:21:20,312 --> 00:21:23,952 (applause) 420 00:21:23,949 --> 00:21:25,689 We're reaching more veterans, including rural 421 00:21:25,684 --> 00:21:29,754 veterans, with telemedicine -- so you can see someone at 422 00:21:29,755 --> 00:21:32,625 the VA without leaving your home. 423 00:21:32,624 --> 00:21:36,364 We now have a designated women's health provider at 424 00:21:36,361 --> 00:21:38,061 all VA clinics -- 425 00:21:38,063 --> 00:21:38,863 (applause) 426 00:21:38,864 --> 00:21:41,334 -- to make sure our women's veterans get the tailored 427 00:21:41,333 --> 00:21:44,003 care, and the dignity and the respect that 428 00:21:44,002 --> 00:21:44,732 you deserve. 429 00:21:44,736 --> 00:21:48,876 (applause) 430 00:21:48,874 --> 00:21:52,674 And for our disabled vets, we have increased funds for 431 00:21:52,678 --> 00:21:55,818 prosthetics, eliminated co-pays if you're 432 00:21:55,814 --> 00:22:00,014 catastrophically disabled, made progress on concurrent 433 00:22:00,018 --> 00:22:03,958 receipt so more severely disabled retirees can now 434 00:22:03,955 --> 00:22:07,225 receive your military retired pay and your VA 435 00:22:07,225 --> 00:22:08,095 disability benefits. 436 00:22:08,093 --> 00:22:10,963 (applause) 437 00:22:10,962 --> 00:22:13,962 And we're doing more than ever to make sure your 438 00:22:13,965 --> 00:22:16,835 devoted families and caregivers get the skills 439 00:22:16,835 --> 00:22:19,975 and support they need to stay strong as well. 440 00:22:19,971 --> 00:22:22,971 And here, I want to thank veterans across our country 441 00:22:22,974 --> 00:22:27,144 for being part of another mission -- our precision 442 00:22:27,145 --> 00:22:30,485 medicine initiative to revolutionize health care 443 00:22:30,482 --> 00:22:33,352 with treatments that are tailored for each patient. 444 00:22:33,351 --> 00:22:35,951 As of today, more than 500,000 veterans -- maybe 445 00:22:35,954 --> 00:22:38,494 some of you -- have stepped forward and donated your 446 00:22:38,490 --> 00:22:41,930 health and genetic data for research, which brings us 447 00:22:41,927 --> 00:22:44,297 halfway to our goal of one million veterans that are 448 00:22:44,296 --> 00:22:46,566 doing so. 449 00:22:46,565 --> 00:22:47,765 And what this does is it gives us a better 450 00:22:47,766 --> 00:22:50,966 understanding of genetics, which will allow us to 451 00:22:50,969 --> 00:22:53,109 improve treatments for things like traumatic brain 452 00:22:53,105 --> 00:22:56,345 injury and post-traumatic stress, and diabetes, 453 00:22:56,341 --> 00:22:58,311 and cancer. 454 00:22:58,310 --> 00:22:59,750 And that won't just help veterans. 455 00:22:59,745 --> 00:23:01,615 It will help all Americans. 456 00:23:01,613 --> 00:23:03,953 And it's just one more example of how our veterans 457 00:23:03,949 --> 00:23:08,519 keep serving our country even after they come home. 458 00:23:08,520 --> 00:23:13,860 (applause) 459 00:23:13,859 --> 00:23:17,929 We need to keep improving mental health care. 460 00:23:17,929 --> 00:23:24,069 I'll never forget the soldiers I met at Fort Bliss. 461 00:23:24,069 --> 00:23:25,069 They were proud of their service, but they were 462 00:23:25,070 --> 00:23:29,610 struggling with issues like post-traumatic stress. 463 00:23:29,608 --> 00:23:33,148 So, for veterans with PTS, we made it easier for you to 464 00:23:33,145 --> 00:23:36,015 qualify for the VA care that you need -- no matter when 465 00:23:36,014 --> 00:23:37,254 you served. 466 00:23:37,249 --> 00:23:39,549 We've increased funding for veterans mental health care 467 00:23:39,551 --> 00:23:44,161 by more than 75 percent -- billions more dollars. 468 00:23:44,156 --> 00:23:48,256 More awareness and outreach -- because we have to end 469 00:23:48,260 --> 00:23:52,700 any shame or stigma that comes with going and 470 00:23:52,697 --> 00:23:53,267 getting help. 471 00:23:53,265 --> 00:23:58,205 (applause) 472 00:23:58,203 --> 00:24:02,473 We've put in place more clinicians, more counselors, 473 00:24:02,474 --> 00:24:05,644 more peer support -- veterans helping veterans. 474 00:24:05,644 --> 00:24:08,914 More research -- $100 million for new approaches 475 00:24:08,914 --> 00:24:11,514 to PTS and TBI. 476 00:24:11,516 --> 00:24:14,586 And today, we're delivering more mental health care to 477 00:24:14,586 --> 00:24:16,556 more veterans than ever. 478 00:24:16,555 --> 00:24:17,425 We are saving lives. 479 00:24:17,422 --> 00:24:20,992 (applause) 480 00:24:20,992 --> 00:24:24,992 But when too many veterans still aren't getting the 481 00:24:24,996 --> 00:24:28,866 care that they need, we all have to be outraged. 482 00:24:28,867 --> 00:24:31,767 We all have to do better. 483 00:24:31,770 --> 00:24:36,210 And when 20 veterans a day are taking their own lives 484 00:24:36,208 --> 00:24:37,278 -- that is a national tragedy. 485 00:24:37,275 --> 00:24:39,145 We all have to do better. 486 00:24:39,144 --> 00:24:42,484 Most of those 20 vets taking their lives each day are not 487 00:24:42,480 --> 00:24:44,480 in the VA. 488 00:24:44,482 --> 00:24:47,552 But we know that when vets do get VA care, they're more 489 00:24:47,552 --> 00:24:49,222 likely to survive. 490 00:24:49,221 --> 00:24:52,491 So we need to get more vets connected to the VA. 491 00:24:52,490 --> 00:24:57,030 And when you have an urgent need for mental health care, 492 00:24:57,028 --> 00:24:58,398 you shouldn't have to wait days, you shouldn't have to 493 00:24:58,396 --> 00:25:03,606 wait weeks -- you should get those services the very 494 00:25:03,602 --> 00:25:04,002 same day. 495 00:25:04,002 --> 00:25:04,802 (applause) 496 00:25:04,803 --> 00:25:10,243 And Congress can help by providing the funding and 497 00:25:10,242 --> 00:25:13,782 flexibility we need to hire highly qualified mental 498 00:25:13,778 --> 00:25:15,718 health professionals. 499 00:25:15,714 --> 00:25:17,714 And medical schools can help us recruit and train 500 00:25:17,716 --> 00:25:19,756 more psychiatrists. 501 00:25:19,751 --> 00:25:23,851 And every American, military and civilian, can help, as 502 00:25:23,855 --> 00:25:26,255 well, by learning those Five Signs that somebody is 503 00:25:26,258 --> 00:25:29,558 hurting, so we can reach out and help our veterans 504 00:25:29,561 --> 00:25:31,031 stay strong. 505 00:25:31,029 --> 00:25:32,059 We're one team. 506 00:25:32,063 --> 00:25:33,933 One American family. 507 00:25:33,932 --> 00:25:37,632 When any member of our family is suffering, we've 508 00:25:37,636 --> 00:25:39,136 got to be there for each other. 509 00:25:39,137 --> 00:25:42,507 Now, we also need to keep fixing the problems that 510 00:25:42,507 --> 00:25:45,007 came to light -- long wait times, veterans denied care, 511 00:25:45,010 --> 00:25:52,480 people manipulating the books -- inexcusable. 512 00:25:52,484 --> 00:25:55,054 I know Bob gave you an update, but I want to repeat 513 00:25:55,053 --> 00:25:57,123 -- we've hired thousands more doctors, nurses, staff; 514 00:25:57,122 --> 00:26:00,392 opened more clinical space. 515 00:26:00,392 --> 00:26:03,132 And, with the Choice program, we're helping more 516 00:26:03,128 --> 00:26:04,498 veterans get care outside of the VA. 517 00:26:04,496 --> 00:26:07,866 It all adds up to millions more appointments, 518 00:26:07,866 --> 00:26:10,266 delivering more benefits to more veterans than 519 00:26:10,268 --> 00:26:11,268 ever before. 520 00:26:11,269 --> 00:26:12,369 That is progress. 521 00:26:12,370 --> 00:26:15,770 But even as we improve access, more veterans than 522 00:26:15,774 --> 00:26:17,474 ever are seeking care. 523 00:26:17,475 --> 00:26:20,615 So we're putting more and more resources in, but 524 00:26:20,612 --> 00:26:23,352 you've got more and more demand for care at the 525 00:26:23,348 --> 00:26:24,518 same time. 526 00:26:24,516 --> 00:26:27,116 And this surge in demand means there are now more 527 00:26:27,118 --> 00:26:29,258 veterans waiting for appointments, even though 528 00:26:29,254 --> 00:26:31,624 we've done a lot more. 529 00:26:31,623 --> 00:26:34,393 So I know I'm not satisfied. 530 00:26:34,392 --> 00:26:36,562 Bob is still not satisfied. 531 00:26:36,561 --> 00:26:38,131 And we will not let up. 532 00:26:38,129 --> 00:26:40,499 Bob and his new leadership team are going to keep 533 00:26:40,498 --> 00:26:44,138 pushing to transform the VA, and he will keep holding 534 00:26:44,135 --> 00:26:45,135 people accountable. 535 00:26:45,136 --> 00:26:45,976 (applause) 536 00:26:45,971 --> 00:26:49,241 This is somebody who cares deeply about our veterans 537 00:26:49,240 --> 00:26:52,310 getting what they deserve and what they have earned. 538 00:26:52,310 --> 00:26:54,550 (applause) 539 00:26:54,546 --> 00:26:56,916 And when whistleblowers expose misconduct, they need 540 00:26:56,915 --> 00:26:59,215 to be protected, not punished. 541 00:26:59,217 --> 00:27:01,087 (applause) 542 00:27:01,086 --> 00:27:02,616 We need Congress to make it easier for the VA to help 543 00:27:02,620 --> 00:27:05,290 veterans get care in your communities. 544 00:27:05,290 --> 00:27:09,290 But I have to say -- here's one thing I want to be very 545 00:27:09,294 --> 00:27:12,464 clear about -- here's one thing we will not do: We 546 00:27:12,464 --> 00:27:15,164 cannot outsource and privatize health care for 547 00:27:15,166 --> 00:27:15,866 America's veterans. 548 00:27:15,867 --> 00:27:17,807 (applause) 549 00:27:17,802 --> 00:27:26,982 Now, there are folks who keep pushing this. 550 00:27:26,978 --> 00:27:28,978 They don't always come out and say the word 551 00:27:28,980 --> 00:27:31,920 "privatize," but you read what they say, that's what 552 00:27:31,916 --> 00:27:33,356 they mean. 553 00:27:33,351 --> 00:27:37,251 And these radical proposals would begin to dismantle the 554 00:27:37,255 --> 00:27:39,625 VA health care system that millions of veterans depend 555 00:27:39,624 --> 00:27:41,024 on every day. 556 00:27:41,026 --> 00:27:43,466 And that would hurt veterans. 557 00:27:43,461 --> 00:27:48,731 Study after study shows that in many areas, like mental 558 00:27:48,733 --> 00:27:50,133 health, the quality of care at the VA is often better 559 00:27:50,135 --> 00:27:53,775 than in private care. 560 00:27:53,772 --> 00:27:55,412 So let's listen to our veterans, who are telling 561 00:27:55,407 --> 00:27:57,907 us: Don't destroy VA health care. 562 00:27:57,909 --> 00:28:01,349 Fix it and make it work, but don't break our covenant 563 00:28:01,346 --> 00:28:02,946 with our veterans. 564 00:28:02,947 --> 00:28:10,787 (applause) 565 00:28:10,789 --> 00:28:12,929 This brings me to the third area where we have to 566 00:28:12,924 --> 00:28:14,394 stay focused. 567 00:28:14,392 --> 00:28:18,432 We have to keep cutting the disability claims backlog. 568 00:28:18,430 --> 00:28:22,530 Now, from its peak, we've slashed that backlog by 569 00:28:22,534 --> 00:28:25,434 nearly 90 percent. 570 00:28:25,437 --> 00:28:32,177 My Chief of Staff and I -- there was a chunk of time 571 00:28:32,177 --> 00:28:36,677 when that backlog was high where, every day, no matter 572 00:28:36,681 --> 00:28:40,021 what else was happening around the world, he and I, 573 00:28:40,018 --> 00:28:44,358 we'd take these walks around the South Lawn just to keep 574 00:28:44,355 --> 00:28:48,055 our exercise, keep our steps up. 575 00:28:48,059 --> 00:28:52,059 And every day, we talked about, how are we going to 576 00:28:52,063 --> 00:28:54,033 get that backlog down. 577 00:28:54,032 --> 00:28:57,832 And each week, we'd look and see what kind of progress 578 00:28:57,836 --> 00:28:59,166 we're making. 579 00:28:59,170 --> 00:29:01,640 That's how we reduced it by 90 percent. 580 00:29:01,639 --> 00:29:04,039 The backlog is now lower than when I came into 581 00:29:04,042 --> 00:29:06,442 office, even though there are a lot more people who 582 00:29:06,444 --> 00:29:08,784 are eligible for claims. 583 00:29:08,780 --> 00:29:14,620 And claims decisions are more accurate the first time. 584 00:29:14,619 --> 00:29:17,459 (applause) 585 00:29:17,455 --> 00:29:20,295 And on both these fronts, we're keeping at it. 586 00:29:20,291 --> 00:29:26,031 But as we all know, when veterans appeal a decision, 587 00:29:26,030 --> 00:29:29,230 you're put into an appeals system that right 588 00:29:29,234 --> 00:29:30,104 now is broken. 589 00:29:30,101 --> 00:29:33,041 (applause) 590 00:29:33,037 --> 00:29:35,377 And you shouldn't have to fight for years to get a 591 00:29:35,373 --> 00:29:37,843 straight answer. 592 00:29:37,842 --> 00:29:41,812 Now, we've proposed major reforms, and I want to thank 593 00:29:41,813 --> 00:29:45,553 the DAV and all the other veterans' groups for raising 594 00:29:45,550 --> 00:29:47,050 your voice on this. 595 00:29:47,051 --> 00:29:48,621 We've got to keep up the pressure. 596 00:29:48,620 --> 00:29:51,420 Congress needs to pass comprehensive reform of the 597 00:29:51,422 --> 00:29:53,062 claims appeals process -- 598 00:29:53,057 --> 00:29:53,857 (applause) 599 00:29:53,858 --> 00:29:57,028 -- because if we don't fix the appeals process, even 600 00:29:57,028 --> 00:30:00,198 when we get the backlog down on the original claim, too 601 00:30:00,198 --> 00:30:03,468 many folks are waiting on the backend. 602 00:30:03,468 --> 00:30:04,868 We've got to fix it. 603 00:30:04,869 --> 00:30:06,139 And we can. 604 00:30:06,137 --> 00:30:09,607 But we're going to have to push Congress. 605 00:30:09,607 --> 00:30:10,847 And I don't know if you've noticed, that's hard. 606 00:30:10,842 --> 00:30:15,212 (laughter) 607 00:30:15,213 --> 00:30:20,983 Fourth, we've got to keep fighting for the dignity of 608 00:30:20,985 --> 00:30:22,455 every veteran. 609 00:30:22,453 --> 00:30:27,493 And that includes ending the tragedy, the travesty of 610 00:30:27,492 --> 00:30:28,722 veterans' homelessness. 611 00:30:28,726 --> 00:30:30,826 (applause) 612 00:30:30,828 --> 00:30:38,168 This is something that, within my administration, 613 00:30:38,169 --> 00:30:41,669 we've said this is all hands on deck, across government. 614 00:30:41,673 --> 00:30:43,673 Everybody has got to be involved in this. 615 00:30:43,675 --> 00:30:47,175 And with Joining Forces, Michelle and Jill have 616 00:30:47,178 --> 00:30:49,478 helped galvanize hundreds of mayors and communities 617 00:30:49,480 --> 00:30:51,680 across the country. 618 00:30:51,683 --> 00:30:54,983 Two states, Virginia and Connecticut, as well as 27 619 00:30:54,986 --> 00:30:58,726 cities and towns across the country have effectively 620 00:30:58,723 --> 00:31:01,893 ended veteran homelessness. 621 00:31:01,893 --> 00:31:07,333 (applause) 622 00:31:07,332 --> 00:31:11,672 So, today, I can announce that, nationally, we have 623 00:31:11,669 --> 00:31:17,979 now reduced the number of homeless veterans by 47 624 00:31:17,976 --> 00:31:20,816 percent -- nearly half. 625 00:31:20,812 --> 00:31:23,852 (applause) 626 00:31:23,848 --> 00:31:30,718 We have just about cut veterans' homelessness in half. 627 00:31:30,722 --> 00:31:34,022 We've helped bring tens of thousands of veterans off 628 00:31:34,025 --> 00:31:36,195 the streets. 629 00:31:36,194 --> 00:31:38,264 But we're not slowing down. 630 00:31:38,263 --> 00:31:40,063 We're going to keep up the momentum. 631 00:31:40,064 --> 00:31:42,634 This fall, Michelle will bring our partners from 632 00:31:42,634 --> 00:31:44,904 across the country together at the White House to share 633 00:31:44,902 --> 00:31:48,272 best practices to figure out what has worked, what 634 00:31:48,273 --> 00:31:49,373 hasn't worked. 635 00:31:49,374 --> 00:31:52,744 Because we will not stop until every veteran who 636 00:31:52,744 --> 00:31:56,144 fought for America has a home in America. 637 00:31:56,147 --> 00:31:57,847 This is something we've got to get done. 638 00:31:57,849 --> 00:32:02,089 (applause) 639 00:32:02,086 --> 00:32:07,126 And finally, we've got to keep fighting to give our 640 00:32:07,125 --> 00:32:11,025 troops and veterans and your families every opportunity 641 00:32:11,029 --> 00:32:14,669 to live the American Dream that you helped defend. 642 00:32:14,666 --> 00:32:18,606 With our overhaul of the transition assistance 643 00:32:18,603 --> 00:32:20,873 program, hundreds of thousands of departing 644 00:32:20,872 --> 00:32:23,942 servicemembers and their spouses have received 645 00:32:23,941 --> 00:32:26,911 training to plan their next career, and find a job or 646 00:32:26,911 --> 00:32:29,351 start a business. 647 00:32:29,347 --> 00:32:31,047 We expanded the Post-9/11 G.I. 648 00:32:31,049 --> 00:32:33,089 Bill to reservists and National Guard members and 649 00:32:33,084 --> 00:32:36,754 families, including Gold Star spouses and children. 650 00:32:36,754 --> 00:32:39,494 And then we expanded it to vocational training 651 00:32:39,490 --> 00:32:41,130 and apprenticeships. 652 00:32:41,125 --> 00:32:44,725 We've empowered veterans with new tools to find the 653 00:32:44,729 --> 00:32:47,529 schools that are right for you, or to get the support 654 00:32:47,532 --> 00:32:50,532 you need to succeed on campus; to make sure you 655 00:32:50,535 --> 00:32:55,605 don't get ripped off; to cap your student loans; to make 656 00:32:55,606 --> 00:32:58,676 sure you and your families get in-state tuition-now, 657 00:32:58,676 --> 00:32:59,816 which is true now in all 50 states. 658 00:32:59,811 --> 00:33:02,351 (applause) 659 00:33:02,347 --> 00:33:06,387 And so far, we have helped more than 1.6 million 660 00:33:06,384 --> 00:33:09,054 veterans and their families realize their dream of an 661 00:33:09,053 --> 00:33:13,393 education, an investment in you and America that will 662 00:33:13,391 --> 00:33:16,831 help keep us strong and keep paying off for generations 663 00:33:16,828 --> 00:33:17,558 to come. 664 00:33:17,562 --> 00:33:20,262 (applause) 665 00:33:20,264 --> 00:33:22,104 So we're doing more to help you find jobs worthy of your 666 00:33:22,100 --> 00:33:24,340 incredible talents. 667 00:33:24,335 --> 00:33:27,405 Because if you could lead a team, and run logistics and 668 00:33:27,405 --> 00:33:30,945 manage a budget, or save a life in a warzone, you can 669 00:33:30,942 --> 00:33:33,642 sure as heck can do it right back here at home. 670 00:33:33,644 --> 00:33:37,754 (applause) 671 00:33:37,749 --> 00:33:42,049 I called for states to recognize the training and 672 00:33:42,053 --> 00:33:44,123 skills of veterans when issuing credentials for 673 00:33:44,122 --> 00:33:47,492 civilian jobs, licensing. 674 00:33:47,492 --> 00:33:49,792 Now all 50 states do it. 675 00:33:49,794 --> 00:33:52,634 Before, less than half the states made it easy for 676 00:33:52,630 --> 00:33:55,430 military spouses to get credentials and licenses. 677 00:33:55,433 --> 00:33:57,073 Today, all 50 states do it. 678 00:33:57,068 --> 00:33:58,768 (applause) 679 00:33:58,770 --> 00:34:01,370 Starting this fall, we'll close loopholes to protect 680 00:34:01,372 --> 00:34:04,012 our troops and military families from predatory 681 00:34:04,008 --> 00:34:05,908 pay-day lenders. 682 00:34:05,910 --> 00:34:10,520 (applause) 683 00:34:10,515 --> 00:34:13,385 So, today, all across America, more veterans are 684 00:34:13,384 --> 00:34:17,424 at work, on the job, beginning the next chapter 685 00:34:17,422 --> 00:34:20,162 of your service to our country. 686 00:34:20,158 --> 00:34:22,528 Veterans who are physicians and nurses have been hired 687 00:34:22,527 --> 00:34:24,267 by community health centers. 688 00:34:24,262 --> 00:34:26,432 Cities and towns are hiring veterans as teachers and 689 00:34:26,431 --> 00:34:29,101 police officers, firefighters and 690 00:34:29,100 --> 00:34:31,140 first responders. 691 00:34:31,135 --> 00:34:34,175 Because we made it a priority in the federal 692 00:34:34,172 --> 00:34:37,242 government -- hiring hundreds of thousands of 693 00:34:37,241 --> 00:34:40,211 veterans, including disabled veterans -- nearly one in 694 00:34:40,211 --> 00:34:44,851 three federal workers is now a veteran. 695 00:34:44,849 --> 00:34:52,719 I challenged America's companies to hire veterans. 696 00:34:52,723 --> 00:34:55,323 And then, in case they weren't listening to me, I 697 00:34:55,326 --> 00:34:57,826 sicced Jill and Michelle on them -- 698 00:34:57,829 --> 00:34:59,969 (laughter and applause) 699 00:34:59,964 --> 00:35:01,964 -- through Joining Forces, and companies now have hired 700 00:35:01,966 --> 00:35:05,736 or trained more than 1.2 million veterans and 701 00:35:05,736 --> 00:35:06,936 military spouses. 702 00:35:06,938 --> 00:35:07,968 (applause) 703 00:35:07,972 --> 00:35:10,812 So, all told, we've cut veterans unemployment by 704 00:35:10,808 --> 00:35:14,248 more than half, down to 4.2 percent, which is actually 705 00:35:14,245 --> 00:35:17,315 lower than the already low national average. 706 00:35:17,315 --> 00:35:18,215 (applause) 707 00:35:18,216 --> 00:35:19,316 And it's way down for Post-9/11 veterans, too. 708 00:35:19,317 --> 00:35:24,257 (applause) 709 00:35:24,255 --> 00:35:27,695 It's one of the reasons we've been able to help more 710 00:35:27,692 --> 00:35:31,132 than 3.6 million veterans buy or refinance a home of 711 00:35:31,128 --> 00:35:33,268 their own. 712 00:35:33,264 --> 00:35:35,104 So I'm going to keep saying to every company in America, 713 00:35:35,099 --> 00:35:39,809 if you want talent, if you want dedication, if you want 714 00:35:39,804 --> 00:35:42,844 to get the job done, then hire a vet! 715 00:35:42,840 --> 00:35:44,510 (applause) 716 00:35:44,509 --> 00:35:45,539 Hire a military spouse! 717 00:35:45,543 --> 00:35:46,443 (applause) 718 00:35:46,444 --> 00:35:47,674 They know how to get the job done. 719 00:35:47,678 --> 00:35:49,718 They don't fool around! 720 00:35:49,714 --> 00:35:54,854 (applause) 721 00:35:54,852 --> 00:35:59,262 So, DAV, we've made a lot of progress. 722 00:35:59,257 --> 00:36:02,457 It's not always focused on -- because, understandably, 723 00:36:02,460 --> 00:36:04,400 the news a lot of the time focuses on what's 724 00:36:04,395 --> 00:36:05,535 still not working. 725 00:36:05,530 --> 00:36:07,230 That's okay. 726 00:36:07,231 --> 00:36:10,871 That keeps us on our toes, keeps us working. 727 00:36:10,868 --> 00:36:12,738 But every once in a while, it's good to remember the 728 00:36:12,737 --> 00:36:16,037 progress we've made, because that tells us when we focus 729 00:36:16,040 --> 00:36:21,580 on it, we can do right by our veterans. 730 00:36:21,579 --> 00:36:23,919 And as this new generation of veterans joins your 731 00:36:23,915 --> 00:36:27,815 ranks, we've got to keep on stepping up our game, giving 732 00:36:27,818 --> 00:36:30,588 veterans the resources you need, transforming the VA, 733 00:36:30,588 --> 00:36:33,758 delivering the health care you've earned, reducing the 734 00:36:33,758 --> 00:36:36,598 backlog, reforming appeals, standing up for your 735 00:36:36,594 --> 00:36:40,364 dignity, and helping you share the American dream. 736 00:36:40,364 --> 00:36:44,874 And I know we can -- because over the past eight years, 737 00:36:44,869 --> 00:36:47,369 I've seen the spirit of America, and I have seen 738 00:36:47,371 --> 00:36:50,641 time and time and time again the strength of our 739 00:36:50,641 --> 00:36:54,951 veterans, the unbreakable will of our disabled vets. 740 00:36:54,946 --> 00:36:59,816 You teach us better than anybody that we may take a 741 00:36:59,817 --> 00:37:03,587 hit sometimes, we may get knocked down, but we get 742 00:37:03,588 --> 00:37:06,088 back up. 743 00:37:06,090 --> 00:37:07,190 We carry on. 744 00:37:07,191 --> 00:37:08,761 (applause) 745 00:37:08,759 --> 00:37:10,699 And when we take care of each other and uphold that 746 00:37:10,695 --> 00:37:14,595 sacred covenant, there is nothing we cannot do. 747 00:37:14,599 --> 00:37:20,239 Like that soldier I've told you before -- Army Ranger 748 00:37:20,237 --> 00:37:23,837 Veteran Cory Remsburg, nearly killed in 749 00:37:23,841 --> 00:37:31,311 Afghanistan, who learned to talk again and walk again, 750 00:37:31,315 --> 00:37:34,885 and who recently stood up and walked into the Oval 751 00:37:34,885 --> 00:37:35,785 Office and shook my hand. 752 00:37:35,786 --> 00:37:39,686 (applause) 753 00:37:39,690 --> 00:37:44,160 We all have to keep on rising. 754 00:37:44,161 --> 00:37:45,861 Like Medal of Honor Recipient Staff Sergeant Ty 755 00:37:45,863 --> 00:37:49,333 Carter, who struggled with post-traumatic stress, and 756 00:37:49,333 --> 00:37:52,373 who's now helping others stay strong. 757 00:37:52,370 --> 00:37:54,170 Troops, veterans, civilians -- we all have to 758 00:37:54,171 --> 00:37:57,171 keep on healing. 759 00:37:57,174 --> 00:37:59,314 Like the wounded warriors and disabled vets who are 760 00:37:59,310 --> 00:38:00,880 out there running and jumping and swimming and 761 00:38:00,878 --> 00:38:04,048 biking and climbing, including Marine Corps 762 00:38:04,048 --> 00:38:06,618 Veteran Charlie Linville, who just became the first 763 00:38:06,617 --> 00:38:11,327 combat amputee to reach the top of Mount Everest. 764 00:38:11,322 --> 00:38:12,352 We all have to keep striving. 765 00:38:12,356 --> 00:38:16,226 (applause) 766 00:38:16,227 --> 00:38:17,627 Like the veterans taking care of each other, 767 00:38:17,628 --> 00:38:23,138 including here at the DAV -- Army Veteran Oscar Olguin; 768 00:38:23,134 --> 00:38:26,404 Navy Reserve Veteran Charity Edgar; Marine Corps Veteran 769 00:38:26,404 --> 00:38:32,344 Carmen McGinnis -- who says helping veterans "gives me a 770 00:38:32,343 --> 00:38:34,513 sense of purpose." 771 00:38:34,512 --> 00:38:38,252 That's something we all have to recognize. 772 00:38:38,249 --> 00:38:40,789 We all have to keep on serving. 773 00:38:40,785 --> 00:38:45,125 Like Air Force Technical Sergeant Jason Miller, who 774 00:38:45,122 --> 00:38:47,162 considered taking his own life, but who wrote me a 775 00:38:47,158 --> 00:38:50,758 letter -- and after I put him in touch with Team 776 00:38:50,761 --> 00:38:54,701 Rubicon, went to work rebuilding communities after 777 00:38:54,699 --> 00:38:58,539 disasters, found a new purpose in life -- well, we 778 00:38:58,536 --> 00:39:02,806 all have to keep building this country we love. 779 00:39:02,807 --> 00:39:07,607 And like the ranks of our military and our veterans -- 780 00:39:07,611 --> 00:39:08,651 whether they are black or white, or Latino or Asian or 781 00:39:08,646 --> 00:39:10,816 Native American, or they are young or old, whether they 782 00:39:10,815 --> 00:39:16,485 are gay or straight, whatever their faith, men, 783 00:39:16,487 --> 00:39:19,987 women, Americans with disabilities -- we have to 784 00:39:19,990 --> 00:39:21,260 keep on uniting as one team. 785 00:39:21,258 --> 00:39:23,528 As one people. 786 00:39:23,527 --> 00:39:24,897 As one nation. 787 00:39:24,895 --> 00:39:25,695 (applause) 788 00:39:25,696 --> 00:39:27,366 That's what you have taught us. 789 00:39:27,364 --> 00:39:30,404 That's what you are an example of. 790 00:39:30,401 --> 00:39:33,341 The Disabled Veterans of America know what it means 791 00:39:33,337 --> 00:39:34,837 to be one team. 792 00:39:34,839 --> 00:39:36,539 We draw inspiration from you. 793 00:39:36,540 --> 00:39:39,040 I am grateful for everything that you have done for 794 00:39:39,043 --> 00:39:39,943 this country. 795 00:39:39,944 --> 00:39:41,784 I am grateful for having had the opportunity to 796 00:39:41,779 --> 00:39:42,909 work with you. 797 00:39:42,913 --> 00:39:43,853 God bless you. 798 00:39:43,848 --> 00:39:44,718 Thank you for your service. 799 00:39:44,715 --> 00:39:46,615 (applause) 800 00:39:46,617 --> 00:39:47,887 Thank you for your sacrifice. 801 00:39:47,885 --> 00:39:49,885 Thank you for your patriotism. 802 00:39:49,887 --> 00:39:51,187 We honor and appreciate you. 803 00:39:51,188 --> 00:39:53,588 God bless our veterans and God bless the United States 804 00:39:53,591 --> 00:39:54,191 of America. 805 00:39:54,191 --> 00:39:55,831 Thank you very much. 806 00:39:55,826 --> 00:39:57,726 (applause)