Aug. 15 / Administration of Barack Obama, 2009

NOTE: The President spoke at 3:44 p.m. at troduced the President, his wife Sonji, and Central High School. In his remarks, he re- their son Thomas; Tilman Bishop, vice chair of ferred to Nathan Wilkes, principal network ar- the board of regents, University of Colorado; chitect, Virtela Communications, Inc., who in- and Sen. Johnny Isakson.

Remarks at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Convention in Phoenix, Arizona August 17, 2009

Thank you. Please, be seated. Thank you so our harbor was bombed, you battled across much. Commander Gardner, thank you for rocky Pacific islands and stormed the beaches your introduction and for your lifetime of ser- of Europe, marching across a continent—my vice. I was proud to welcome Glen and your own grandfather and uncle among your executive director, Bob Wallace, to the Oval ranks—liberating millions and turning ene- Office just before the Fourth of July, and I mies into allies. look forwarding to working with your next When communism cast its shadow across so commander, Tommy Tradewell. I want to also much of the globe, you stood vigilant in a long acknowledge Jean Gardner and Sharon cold war, from an airlift in Berlin to the moun- Tradewell, as well as Dixie Hild and Jan Tittle tains of Korea to the jungles of Vietnam. and all the spouses and family of the Ladies When that cold war ended and old hatreds Auxiliary. America honors your service as well. emerged anew, you turned back aggression Also Governor Jan Brewer is here, of Arizo- from Kuwait to Kosovo. na, and Mayor Phil Gordon, our host here in And long after you took off the uniform, Phoenix. I want to acknowledge Presi- you’ve continued to serve: supporting our fam- dent—Dr. Joe Shirley, Jr., President of the ilies, our troops when they go to war and wel- Navajo Nation. And this wasn’t on my original coming them when they come home; working card, but this is just an extraordinary story. to give our veterans the care they deserve; and And you may have already heard from her, but when America’s heroes are laid to rest, giving I just want to publicly acknowledge and thank every one of them that final fitting tribute of a Ms. Helen Denton, the secretary to Dwight grateful nation. We can never say it enough: Eisenhower, who typed up the orders for the For your service in war and peace, thank you Normandy invasion and is here today, and VFW. Thank you. what an extraordinary story that is. Today, the story of your service is carried on Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, by a new generation, dedicated, courageous I am honored and humbled to stand before men and women who I have the privilege to you as Commander in Chief of the finest mili- lead and meet every day. tary the world has ever known. And we’re They’re the young sailors, the midshipmen joined by some of those who make it the finest at the Naval Academy, who raised their right force in the world, from Luke Air Force Base, hand at graduation and committed themselves members of the 56th Fighter Wing. to a life of service. They’re the soldiers I met Whether you wear the uniform today or in Baghdad who have done their duty, year af- wore it decades ago, you remind us of a funda- ter year, on a second, third, or fourth tour. mental truth: It’s not the powerful weapons They’re the marines of Camp Lejeune, pre- that make our military the strongest in the paring to deploy and now serving in Afghani- world. It’s not the sophisticated systems that stan to protect Americans here at home. make us the most advanced. The true strength They’re the airmen, like those here today, who of our military lies in the spirit and skill of our provide the close air support that saves the men and women in uniform. And you know lives of our troops on the ground. They’re the this. wounded warriors at Landstuhl and Walter You know this because it’s the story of your Reed and Bethesda and across America for lives. When fascism seemed unstoppable and whom the battle is not to fight, but simply to

1296 Administration of Barack Obama, 2009 / Aug. 17 speak, to stand, to walk once more. They’re the As President, my greatest responsibility is the families that my wife Michelle has met at bases security and safety of the American people. As across the country: the spouses back home do- I’ve said before, that is the first thing I think ing the parenting of two; the children who won- about when I wake up in the morning, it’s the der when mom and dad may be coming home; last thing that I think about when I go to sleep the parents who watch their sons and daughters at night. And I will not hesitate to use force to go off to war; and the families who lay a loved protect the American people or our vital inter- one to rest, and the pain that lasts a lifetime. ests. To all those who have served America, our But as we protect America, our men and forces, your families, our veterans, you have women in uniform must always be treated as done your duty. You have fulfilled your respon- what they are, America’s most precious re- sibilities, and now a grateful nation must fulfill source. As Commander in Chief, I have a sol- ours. And that is what I want to talk about to- emn responsibility for their safety. And there is day. nothing more sobering than signing a letter of First, we have a solemn responsibility to al- condolence to the family of service men or ways lead our men and women in uniform wise- women who have given their lives for our coun- ly. And that starts with a vision of American try. leadership that recognizes that military power And that’s why I have made this pledge to alone cannot be the first or only answer to the our Armed Forces: I will only send you into threats facing our Nation. harm’s way when it is absolutely necessary. And when I do, it will be based on good intelligence In recent years, our troops have succeeded in and guided by a sound strategy. I will give you a every mission America has given them, from clear mission, defined goals, and the equipment toppling the Taliban to deposing a dictator in and support you need to get the job done. Iraq to battling brutal insurgencies. At the same That’s my commitment to you. time, forces trained for war have been called Which brings me to our second responsibility upon to perform a whole host of missions. Like to our Armed Forces: giving them the resources mayors, they’ve run local governments and de- and equipment and strategies to meet their mis- livered water and electricity. Like aid workers, sions. We need to keep our military the best they’ve mentored farmers and built new trained, the best led, the best equipped fighting schools. Like diplomats, they’ve negotiated force in the world. And that’s why, even with agreements with tribal sheikhs and local lead- our current economic challenges, my budget in- ers. creases defense spending. But let us never forget: We are a country of We will ensure that we have the force struc- more than 300 million Americans; less than 1 ture to meet today’s missions. And that’s why percent wears the uniform. And that 1 per- we’ve increased the size of the Army and the cent—our soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, Marine Corps 2 years ahead of schedule and and coastguardsmen—have borne the over- have approved another temporary increase in whelming burden of our security. In fact, per- the Army. And we’ve halted personnel reduc- haps never in American history have so few pro- tions in the Navy and Air Force. And this will tected so many. give our troops more time home between de- So the responsibility for our security must ployments, which means less stress on families not be theirs alone. That is why I have made it a and more training for the next mission. And it priority to enlist all elements of our national will help us put an end, once and for all, to stop- power in defense of our national security—our loss for those who’ve done their duty. diplomacy and development, our economic We will equip our forces with the assets and might and our moral example—because one of technologies they need to fight and win. So my the best ways to lead our troops wisely is to pre- budget funds more of the Army helicopters, vent the conflicts that cost American blood and crews, and pilots urgently needed in Afghani- treasure tomorrow. stan; the intelligence, surveillance, and

1297 Aug. 17 / Administration of Barack Obama, 2009 reconnaissance that gives our troops the ad- goals: to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat Al Qa- vantage; the special operations forces that can ida and its extremist allies. deploy on a moment’s notice; and for all those In the months since, we have begun to put serving in Afghanistan and Iraq, including our this comprehensive strategy into action. And National Guard and Reserve, more of the pro- in recent weeks, we’ve seen our troops do their tective gear and armored vehicles that save part. They’ve gone into new areas, taking the lives. fight to the Taliban in villages and towns As we fight in two wars, we will plan respon- where residents have been terrorized for sibly, budget honestly, and speak candidly years. They’re adapting new tactics, knowing about the costs and consequences of our ac- that it’s not enough to kill extremists and ter- tions. And that’s why I’ve made sure my bud- rorists; we also need to protect the Afghan get includes the costs of the wars in Iraq and people and improve their daily lives. And to- Afghanistan. day, our troops are helping to secure polling In Iraq, after more than 6 years, we took an places for this week’s election so that Afghans important step forward in June. We trans- can choose the future that they want. ferred control of all cities and towns to Iraq’s Now, these new efforts have not been with- security forces. The transition to full Iraqi re- out a price. The fighting has been fierce. More sponsibility for their own security is now un- Americans have given their lives. And as al- derway. This progress is a testament to all ways, the thoughts and prayers of every Amer- those who have served in Iraq, both uniformed ican are with those who make the ultimate sac- and civilian. And our Nation owes these Amer- rifice in our defense. icans, and all who have given their lives, a pro- As I said when I announced this strategy, found debt of gratitude. there will be more difficult days ahead. The in- Now, as Iraqis take control of their destiny, surgency in Afghanistan didn’t just happen they will be tested and targeted. Those who overnight, and we won’t defeat it overnight. seek to sow sectarian division will attempt This will not be quick, nor easy. But we must more senseless bombings and more killing of never forget this is not a war of choice, this is a innocents. This we know. war of necessity. Those who attacked America But as we move forward, the Iraqi people on 9/11 are plotting to do so again. If left un- must know that the United States will keep its checked, the Taliban insurgency will mean an commitments. And the American people must even larger safe haven from which Al Qaida know that we will move forward with our strat- would plot to kill more Americans. So this is egy. We will begin removing our combat bri- not only a war worth fighting, this is a—this is gades from Iraq later this year. We will re- fundamental to the defense of our people. move all our combat brigades by the end of And going forward, we will constantly adapt next August. And we will remove all our troops to new tactics to stay ahead of the enemy and from Iraq by the end of 2011. And for Ameri- give our troops the tools and equipment they ca, the Iraq war will end. need to succeed. And at every step of the way, By moving forward in Iraq, we’re able to re- we will assess our efforts to defeat Al Qaida focus on the war against Al Qaida and its ex- and its extremist allies and to help the Afghan tremist allies in Afghanistan and Pakistan. and Pakistani people build the future that they That’s why I announced a new, comprehensive seek. strategy in March, a strategy that recognizes Now, even as we lead and equip our troops that Al Qaida and its allies had moved their for the missions of today, we have a third re- base from the remote, tribal areas—to the re- sponsibility to fulfill. We must prepare our mote, tribal areas of Pakistan. This strategy ac- forces for the missions of tomorrow. Our sol- knowledges that military power alone will not diers, sailors, airmen, marines, and coast- win this war, that we also need diplomacy and guardsmen adapt to new challenges every day. development and good governance. And our But as we know, much of our defense estab- new strategy has a clear mission and defined lishment has yet to fully adapt to the post-cold

1298 Administration of Barack Obama, 2009 / Aug. 17 war world, with doctrine and weapons better for our troops or protect America or prepare for suited to fight the Soviets on the plains of Eu- the future. rope than insurgents in the rugged terrain of You’ve heard the stories: the indefensible no- Afghanistan. Twenty years after the cold war bid contracts that cost taxpayers billions and ended, this is simply not acceptable. It’s irre- make contractors rich, the special interests and sponsible. Our troops and our taxpayers deserve their exotic projects that are years behind better. schedule and billions over budget, the en- And that’s why our defense review is taking a trenched lobbyists pushing weapons that even top-to-bottom look at our priorities and pos- our military says it doesn’t want. The impulse in ture, questioning conventional wisdom, rethink- Washington to protect jobs back home building ing old dogmas, and challenging the status quo. things we don’t need has a cost that we can’t af- We’re asking hard questions about the forces ford. we need and the weapons we buy. And when This waste would be unacceptable at any we’re finished, we’ll have a new blueprint for time, but at a time when we’re fighting two wars the 21st-century military that we need. And in and facing a serious deficit, it’s inexcusable. It’s fact, we’re already on our way. an affront to the American people and to our We’re adopting new concepts because the troops, and it’s time for it to stop. full spectrum of challenges demands a full And this is not a Democratic issue or a Re- range of military capabilities, both the conven- publican issue. This is not a Democratic issue or tional and the unconventional: the ability to de- a Republican issue; it’s about giving our troops feat both an armored division and the lone sui- the support that they need. And that’s some- cide bomber, the intercontinental ballistic mis- thing that all Americans should be able to agree sile and the improvised explosive device, 18th- to. So I’m glad I have as a partner in this effort, century-style piracy and 21st-century cyber a great veteran, a great Arizonan, and a great American who has shown the courage to stand threats. No matter the mission, we must main- and fight this waste, Senator John McCain. And tain America’s military dominance. I’m also proud to have Secretary of Defense So even as we modernize our conventional Robert Gates, who has served under eight Pres- forces, we’re investing in the capabilities that idents of both parties, leading this fight at the will reorient our force to the future: an Army Pentagon. that’s more mobile and expeditionary and mis- So already I’ve put an end to unnecessary no- sile defenses that protect our troops in the field; bid contracts. I’ve signed bipartisan legislation a Navy that not only projects power across the to reform defense procurement so weapons sys- oceans, but operates nimbly in shallow, coastal tems don’t spin out of control. And even as we waters; an Air Force that dominates the air- increase spending on the equipment and weap- space with next-generation aircraft, both ons our troops do need, we’ve proposed cutting manned and unmanned; a Marine Corps that tens of billions of dollars in waste we don’t can move ashore more rapidly in more places. need. And across the force, we’re investing in new Think about it: hundreds of millions of dol- skills and specialties, because in the 21st centu- lars for an alternate second engine for the Joint ry, military strength will be measured not only Strike Fighter when one reliable engine will do by the weapons our troops carry, but by the lan- just fine; nearly $2 billion to buy more F–22 guages they speak and the cultures that they un- fighter jets when we can move ahead with a derstand. But here’s the simple truth: We can- fleet of newer, more affordable aircraft; tens of not build the 21st-century military we need and billions of dollars to put an antimissile laser on a maintain the fiscal responsibility that America fleet of vulnerable 747s; and billions of dollars demands unless we fundamentally reform the for a new Presidential helicopter—now, maybe way our defense establishment does business. you’ve heard about this—among its other capa- It’s a simple fact. Every dollar wasted in our de- bilities, it would let me cook a meal while under fense budget is a dollar we can’t spend to care nuclear attack. [Laughter] Now, let me tell you

1299 Aug. 17 / Administration of Barack Obama, 2009 something, if the United States of America is We will fulfill our responsibility to our vet- under nuclear attack, the last thing on my erans as they return to civilian life. I was proud mind will be whipping up a snack. [Laughter] to cosponsor the post-9/11 GI bill as a Senator. So this is pretty straightforward: Cut the And thanks to VFW members across the coun- waste, save taxpayer dollars, support the try and leaders like Arizona’s Harry Mitchell in troops. That’s what we should be doing. The Congress, it is now the law of the land. And as special interests, contractors, and entrenched President, I’m committed to seeing that it is lobbyists, they’re invested in the status quo, successfully implemented. and they’re putting up a fight. But make no For so many of you, like my grandfather, mistake, so are we. If a project doesn’t support the original GI bill changed your life, helping our troops, if it does not make America safer, you to realize your dreams. But it also trans- we will not fund it. If a system doesn’t per- formed America, helping to build the largest form, we will terminate it. And if Congress middle class in history. We’re saying the same sends me a defense bill loaded with a bunch of thing to today’s post-9/11 veterans: You pick pork, I will veto it. We will do right by our the school; we’ll help pick up the bill. troops and taxpayers, and we will build the And as these veterans show—start showing 21st-century military that we need. up on campuses, I’m proud that we’re making Finally, we will fulfill our responsibility to this opportunity available to all those who have those who serve by keeping our promises to sacrificed, including Reservists and National our people. We will fulfill our responsibility to Guard members and spouses and children, in- our forces and our families. That’s why we’re cluding kids who’ve lost their mom or dad. In increasing military pay. That’s why we’re an era when so many people and institutions building better family housing and funding have acted irresponsibly, we choose to reward more childcare and counseling to help families the responsibility and service of our forces and cope with the stresses of war. And we’ve their families. changed the rules so military spouses can bet- Whether you’ve left the service in 2009 or ter compete for Federal jobs and pursue their 1949, we will fulfill our responsibility to deliv- careers. er the benefits and care that you earned. And We will fulfill our responsibility to our that’s why I’ve pledged to build nothing less wounded warriors. For those still in uniform, than a 21st-century VA. And I picked a lifelong we’re investing billions of dollars for more soldier and wounded warrior from Vietnam to treatment centers, more case managers, and lead this fight, General Ric Shinseki. better medical care so our troops can recover We’re dramatically increasing funding for and return where they want to be, with their veterans health care. This includes hundreds units. of millions of dollars to serve veterans in rural But as the VFW well knows, for so many areas, as well as the unique needs of our grow- veterans, the war rages on: the flashbacks that ing number of women veterans. We’re restor- won’t go away, the loved ones who now seem ing access to VA health care for a half a million like strangers, the heavy darkness of depres- veterans who lost their eligibility in recent sion that has led to too many of our troops tak- years, our Priority 8 veterans. ing their own lives. Posttraumatic stress and And since there’s been so much misinfor- traumatic brain injury are the defining injuries mation out there about health insurance re- of today’s wars. So caring for those affected by form, let me say this: One thing that reform them is a defining purpose of my budget—bil- won’t change is veterans’ health care. No one lions of dollars more for treatment and mental is going to take away your benefits; that is the health screenings to reach our troops on the plain and simple truth. We’re expanding ac- frontier—on the frontlines and more mobile cess to your health care, not reducing it. and rural clinics to reach veterans back home. We’re also keeping our promise on concur- We are not going to abandon these American rent receipt. My budget ensures that our se- heroes. We are going to do right by them. verely disabled veterans will receive both their

1300 Administration of Barack Obama, 2009 / Aug. 17 military retired pay and their VA disability ben- $25 billion to make sure that our veterans are efits. And I look forward to signing legislation getting what they need. on advanced appropriations for the VA so the These are major investments, and these are medical care you need is never held up by bud- difficult times. Fiscal discipline demands that get delays. we make hard decisions, sacrificing certain I’ve also directed Secretary Shinseki to focus things we can’t afford. But let me be clear: on a top priority, reducing homelessness among America’s commitment to its veterans are not veterans. After serving their country, no veteran just lines on a budget, they are bonds that are should be sleeping on the streets—no veteran. sacred, a sacred trust we’re honor bound to up- We should have zero tolerance for that. hold. These are commitments that we make to And we’re keeping our promise to fulfill an- the patriots who serve, from the day they enlist other top priority at the VA, cutting the redtape to the day that they are laid to rest. Patriots like and inefficiencies that cause backlogs and de- you. Patriots like a man named Jim Norene. lays in the claims process. This spring, I direct- His story is his own, but in it we see the larg- ed the Departments of Defense and Veterans er story of all who serve. He’s a child of the De- Affairs to create one unified lifetime electronic pression who grew up to join that greatest gen- health record for the members of the Armed eration, a paratrooper in the 502d Parachute In- Forces, a single electronic record, with privacy fantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne, jumping guaranteed, that will stay with them forever. in a daring daylight raid into Holland to liberate Because after fighting for America, you should captive people, rushing to Bastogne at the Bat- tle of the Bulge, where his commanding gener- not have to fight over paperwork to receive the al—surrounded by the Germans and asked to benefits that you’ve earned. surrender—declared, famously, “Nuts.” Today I can announce that we’re taking an- For his bravery, Jim was awarded the Bronze other step. I’ve directed my Chief Performance Star. But like so many others, he rarely spoke of Officer, my Chief Technology Officer, and my what he did or what he saw, reminding us that Chief Information Officer to join with Secretary true love of country is not boisterous or loud, Shinseki in a new reform effort. We’re launch- but rather, the “tranquil and steady dedication ing a new competition to capture the very best of a lifetime.” ideas of our VA employees who work with you Jim returned home and built a life. He went every day. to school on the GI bill. He got married. He We’re going to challenge each of our 57 re- raised a family in his small Oregon farming gional VA offices to come up with the best ways town. And every Veterans Day, year after year, of doing business, of harnessing the best infor- he visited schoolchildren to speak about the mation technologies, of cutting redtape and meaning of service. And he did it all as a proud breaking through the bureaucracy. And then member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. we’re going to fund the best ideas and put them Then, this spring, Jim made a decision. He into action, all with a simple mission: cut those would return to Europe once more. Eighty-five backlogs, slash those wait times, deliver your years old, frail and gravely ill, he knew he might benefits sooner. I know you’ve heard this for not make it back home. But like the paratrooper years, but the leadership and resources we’re he always was, he was determined. providing this time means that we’re going to So near Bastogne, he returned to the places be able to do it. That is our mission, and we are he knew so well. At a Dutch town liberated by going to make it happen. our GIs, schoolchildren lined the sidewalks and Now, taken together, these investments rep- sang “The Star-Spangled Banner.” And in the resent a historic increase in our commitment to quiet clearing of an American cemetery, he America’s veterans, a 15-percent increase over walked among those perfect lines of white last year’s funding levels and the largest in- crosses of fellow soldiers who had fallen long crease in the VA budget in more than 30 years. ago, their names forever etched in stone. And And over the next 5 years, we’ll invest another then, back where he had served 65 years before,

1301 Aug. 17 / Administration of Barack Obama, 2009

Jim Norene passed away, at night, in his sleep, God bless you. God bless all our veterans, quietly, peacefully—the “tranquil and steady and God bless the United States of America. dedication of a lifetime.” Thank you very much. The next day, I was privileged to join the commemoration at Normandy to mark the day NOTE: The President spoke at 10:06 a.m. in when the beaches were stormed and a conti- the Phoenix Convention Center. In his re- nent was freed. There were Presidents and marks, he referred to Glen Gardner, outgoing commander-in-chief, and his wife Jean, Rob- Prime Ministers and veterans from the far cor- ert E. Wallace, executive director, and Thom- ners of the Earth, but long after the bands as Tradewell, incoming commander-in-chief, stopped playing and the crowds stopped and his wife Sharon, Veterans of Foreign cheering, it was the story of a departed VFW Wars; Dixie Hild, national president, and Jan member that echoed in our hearts. Tittle, senior vice president, Veterans of For- Veterans of Foreign Wars, you have done eign Wars Ladies Auxiliary; Secretary of Vet- your duty to your fallen comrades, to your erans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki; White House communities, to your country. You have al- Chief Performance Officer Jeffrey D. Zients; ways fulfilled your responsibilities to America, White House Chief Technology Officer and so long as I am President of the United Aneesh Chopra; and White House Chief In- States, America will always fulfill its responsi- formation Officer Vivek Kundra. He also re- bilities to you. ferred to his great uncle Charles Payne.

Statement on the Terrorist Attack in Nazran, Ingushetia, Russia August 17, 2009

I am deeply troubled about reports of a sui- attack highlights the concerning increase in vi- cide bombing today in Nazran, Ingushetia, olence in the region affecting officials and ci- that has resulted in the tragic loss of at least 20 vilians alike. Our condolences go out to the lives and 138 injured. There can be no justifi- Government of Russia and the families of vic- cation for such an act of terrorism. This latest tims.

Remarks During a Meeting With President Mohamed Hosni Mubarak of Egypt and an Exchange With Reporters August 18, 2009

President Obama. Well, let me, on behalf of of those years, President Mubarak has been a the American people and my administration, leader and a counselor and a friend to the welcome President Mubarak for his first visit United States. We obviously have a lot of great since I’ve taken office. I want to publicly thank challenges that have to be dealt with, and we him for the extraordinary hospitality that he are continuing to work together to find those showed us when I traveled to Egypt and deliv- areas where we can find common ground and ered my speech at Cairo University. It was an to work in concert to bring peace and security extraordinary visit, not only because of the great welcome that I received from the Presi- to the region. dent and the college students who were in at- The Arab-Israeli situation is something that tendance, but also, having an opportunity to has been of ongoing interest, and we had an visit the pyramids was a once-in-a-lifetime ex- extensive conversation about how we could perience for me. help to jump-start an effective process on all The United States and Egypt have worked sides to move away from a status quo that is together closely for many years, and for many not working for the Israeli people, the

1302