President, First Lady Salute Troops, Vets, Families

12/25/2013 05:58 AM CST                                                                 Wed, Dec 25, 2013 at 5:42 PM

American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Dec. 25, 2013: President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama today wished all Americans a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays and provided special holiday greetings and thanks to U.S. military members, veterans, and their families for their service and sacrifice to the nation.  The Obamas also employed the president's weekly address to the nation to remind Americans to visit the Joining Forces website to find ways to give back to military families. The First Lady and Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, launched the Joining Forces campaign in April 2011 to rally national support from all sectors of society to honor and support service members, veterans and their families. The President and the First Lady also said that during this holiday season all Americans should come together to find ways to support U.S. service members, veterans and their families, and to keep working to be good parents, friends, neighbors and citizens in their communities. Here is the text of the President's and First Lady's weekly national address remarks: THE PRESIDENT: "Hello everybody, and Happy Holidays." THE FIRST LADY: "We know how busy this time of year is for everyone, so we're not going to take much of your time. "But we did want to take a moment to wish you all a Merry Christmas, from our family to yours." THE PRESIDENT: "This is a season for millions of Americans to be together with family, to continue long-held holiday traditions, and to show our gratitude to those we love. And along the way, some of us might even watch a little basketball or eat some Christmas cookies, too." THE FIRST LADY: "Here at the White House, over the past few weeks, we've had about 70,000 people from all across the country come visit us and look at our holiday decorations. "This year's theme was, 'Gather Around: Stories of the Season.' "And in every room of the house, we tried to tell a story about who we are as Americans and how we celebrate the holidays together. "And we made certain to highlight some of the most powerful stories we know -- the stories of our outstanding troops, veterans, and military families and their service and sacrifice for our country." THE PRESIDENT: "Our extraordinary men and women in uniform are serving so that the rest of us can enjoy the blessings we cherish during the holidays. But that means many of our troops are far from home and far from family. They're spending some extra time on the phone with their loved ones back home. Or they're setting up video chats so they can watch as the presents are opened. So today, we want all of our troops to know that you're in our thoughts and prayers this holiday season. "And here's the good news: For many of our troops and newest veterans, this might be the first time in years that they've been with their families on Christmas. In fact, with the Iraq war over and the transition in Afghanistan, fewer of our men and women in uniform are deployed in harm's way than at any time in the last decade." THE FIRST LADY: "And that's something we all can be thankful for. "And with more and more of our troops back here at home, now it's our turn to serve -- it's our turn to step up and show our gratitude for the military families who have given us so much. "And that's why Jill Biden and I started our Joining Forces initiative -- to rally all Americans to support our military families in ways large and small. "And again and again, we have been overwhelmed by the response we've gotten as folks from across the country have found new ways to give back to these families through their schools, businesses, and houses of worship." THE PRESIDENT: "That's the same spirit of giving that connects all of us during the holidays. So many people all across the country are helping out at soup kitchens, buying gifts for children in need, or organizing food or clothing drives for their neighbors. For families like ours, that service is a chance to celebrate the birth of Christ and live out what He taught us -- to love our neighbors as we would ourselves; to feed the hungry and look after the sick; to be our brother's keeper and our sister's keeper. And for all of us as Americans, regardless of our faith, those are values that can drive us to be better parents and friends, better neighbors and better citizens." THE FIRST LADY: "So as we look to the New Year, let's pledge ourselves to living out those values by reaching out and lifting up those in our communities who could use a hand up. THE PRESIDENT: "So Merry Christmas, everyone. And, from the two of us, as well as Malia, Sasha, Grandma, Bo ..." THE FIRST LADY: "And Sunny, the newest Obama." THE PRESIDENT: "We wish you all a blessed and safe holiday season. THE FIRST LADY: "Happy holidays everybody, and God bless."  Video published on 17-05-2012  Courtesy:BarackObamadotcom// YouTube

Related Sites: Weekly Address: The President and First Lady Wish Everyone a Happy Holiday Season Weekly Address Video Joining Forces Photo Essay: U.S. Soldiers Conduct Christmas Bundle Drop in Afghanistan Holiday Video Message from President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel's Holiday Message Dempsey Family Sends Holiday Wishes to Troops Battaglias, Veterans Issue Joint Holiday Message Related Articles: First Lady Lauds Military Families for Toys for Tots Work Dr. Biden Hosts National Guard Christmas Tree Dedication First Lady, Military Families Preview Holiday Decorations Thousands of U.S. Personnel Serve Overseas During the Holidays Michelle Obama, Dr. Jill Biden Pay Tribute to Veterans Dr. Biden Attends Veterans' Education Support Events First Lady, Dr. Biden Vow to Continue 'Joining Forces' Dr. Biden, USO Join Forces to Provide Warrior Care Packs

President Obama Explains the Shutdown

 Wed, Oct 9, 2013 at 11:29 PM

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

President Obama Explains the Shutdown Yesterday, eight days into the Republican government shutdown, President Obama spoke from the White House about the need for Republicans in Congress to stop threatening another recession just to sabotage Obamacare, stop demanding ransom just for doing their jobs, and just vote to reopen the government. He talked about the toll this shutdown is already taking on our country and the economy, and warned against the dire consequences of a default if Congress doesn’t act to prevent an economic shutdown. Keeping the government running and paying the nation’s bills aren’t bargaining chips or a matter of negotiation – they’re a fundamental part of Congress’s job. Here’s how the President put it yesterday: "If you're in negotiations around buying somebody's house, you don't get to say, 'Well, let's talk about the price I'm going to pay, and if you don't give the price then I'm going to burn down your house.' That's not how negotiations work.... In the same way, members of Congress -- and the House Republicans in particular -- don't get to demand ransom in exchange for doing their jobs. And two of their very basic jobs are passing a budget and making sure that America is paying its bills." Watch the President’s statement here, and then pass it on to your friends: As the President has made clear -- and the press has reported -- the government could be reopened, today, with the votes of reasonable Republicans and Democrats if Tea Party Republicans would allow a simple yes-or-no vote on a Senate-passed compromise bill to fund the United States government. It’s time for Congress to just vote and end this government shutdown now.

President Barack Obama Promises

01/22/2013 07:59 AM CST
Continued Support at Inaugural Ball
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Jan. 22, 2013 - President Barack Obama opened the first inaugural ball last night extending "extraordinary gratitude" to the men and women in uniform and promised to ensure they have everything they need as they defend Americans' freedoms every day.

Speaking to hundreds of service members, including wounded warriors and Medal of Honor recipients, Gold Star families and veterans gathered at the Commander in Chief's Ball, and via a televised webcast with troops deployed to Afghanistan, the president said it's impossible to say "thank you" enough to those who serve.

"Thank you for volunteering. Thank you for stepping up. Thank you for keeping us strong. Thank you for always making us proud," he told the gathering.

"I have no greater honor than being your commander in chief," he said, drawing enthusiastic applause.

Obama ticked off some of the accomplishments made possible during the past four years, and vowed to ensure the military has what it needs for continued success.

"It's because of you that with honor we were able to end the war in Iraq. Because of you that we delivered justice to Osama bin Laden. Because of you that it's even possible to give Afghans a chance to determine their own destiny," he said. "We are going forward, and we'll keep our military the finest fighting force the world has ever known."

The president offered special recognition to members of the 3rd Infantry Division and Regional Command South, who are deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan. He spoke via teleconference with Army Sgt. 1st Class Orlando Jackson and Army Sgt. 1st Class David Wood from the 3rd Infantry Division's Falcon Brigade, Task Force Light Horse; and Air Force Master Sgt. Robert Skowronski and Air Force Master Sgt. James Godlewski of the 807th Expeditionary Air Support Operations Squadron.

"We know it's tough being away from your families. We know the incredible sacrifices and challenges that you make every day," Obama said. "But I can tell you that you've got a room full of patriots here.

"And although I've got to admit that they're a little spiffied up right now," he continued, drawing laughter and applause, "their heart and soul, their dedication, their sense of duty is at one with every single one of the folks who are in Kandahar right now."

Reflecting on his swearing-in on the steps of the U.S. Capitol earlier in the day, Obama said he biggest cheer he received was as he spoke about "the extraordinary men and women in uniform that preserve our freedom and keep our country strong."

He offered assurance that the nation will continue to stand by them and give them the tools and support they and their families require.

"We're going to make sure that you've got the equipment, the strategy [and] the mission that allows you to succeed and keep our country safe," he said. "Know that we are going to be looking after and thinking about your families every single day -- and that when you get back home, you're going to be greeted by a grateful nation."

Four service members were selected for honorary dances during the ball. Air Force Staff Sgt. Bria D. Nelson of the 579th Medical Operations Squadron, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C., danced with the president.

Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Timothy D. Easterling, assigned to Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., as a distance learning instructor, danced with First Lady Michelle Obama.

Army Staff Sgt. Keesha N. Dentino, assigned to the 947th Military Police Detachment, Fort Myer, Va., as a patrol explosives detection dog handler, danced with Vice President Joe Biden.

Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Patrick R. Figueroa, assigned to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Md., as a manpower transfer clerk, danced with Dr. Jill Biden.

The star-studded lineup of performers at the ball included Dan Moose, Alicia Keys, Brad Paisley, Chris Cornell, Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Hudson and Marc Anthony.

Related Sites:
Special Report: Inauguration 2013

Special Report: Presidential Inauguration

01/21/2013 09:21 AM CST                                                Mon, Jan 21, 2013 at 8:59 PM

American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Jan. 21, 2013 - Images and articles in American Forces Press Service's special report at http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2013/0113_inauguration/ highlight the U.S. military's roles in the 57th presidential inauguration.

Related Sites: Special Report: Presidential Inauguration

Special Report: Presidential Inauguration

Greeting a family member

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama greet a family member Dec. 25, 2012, in the Anderson Hall Dining Facility at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. While vacationing in Hawaii, the Obamas stopped at the base to visit U.S. Marines, Sailors and their families on Christmas Day. (DoD photo by Lance Cpl. Nathan Knapke, U.S. Marine Corps/Released)                      12/25/2012 - : 121225-M-NG901-002

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Obama Intends to Nominate Austin as Centcom Chief

12/06/2012 03:00 PM CST

By Jim Garamone American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Dec. 6, 2012 - President Barack Obama intends to nominate Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, currently the vice chief of staff of the Army, to succeed Marine Corps Gen. James N. Mattis as the next commander of U.S. Central Command, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta announced today. President Barack Obama intends to nominate Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III [pictured], who's currently serving as the vice chief of staff of the Army, to succeed Marine Corps Gen. James N. Mattis as the next commander of U.S. Central Command. U.S. Army photo  Austin is "one of the military's most seasoned combat leaders," the secretary said, and will "bring an important combination of strategic thinking, regional knowledge and proven judgment to one of the most critical posts in the department." Austin was the final commander of U.S. Forces Iraq, holding that position from Sept. 1, 2010, until the command was disestablished Dec. 18, 2011. "During his final deployment to Iraq, Gen. Austin led our military efforts at a particularly important time, overseeing the drawdown of U.S. forces and equipment while simultaneously helping to ensure that hard-fought security gains were preserved and that Iraqis could secure and govern themselves," Panetta said. Austin's previous commands include the 3rd Infantry Division, with whom he earned a Silver Star for valor for actions in the early months of the war in Iraq. He also served as commander of the 10th Mountain Division in Afghanistan, and as commander of Multinational Corps-Iraq from February 2008 through April 2009. Mattis has commanded Centcom since Aug. 11, 2010, having previously served as commander of U.S. Joint Forces Command. "[Mattis] will go down as one of the most celebrated battlefield leaders and strategic military thinkers of our time," Panetta said. Austin's nomination is subject to Senate confirmation.

Biographies: Leon E. Panetta Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III Related Sites: U.S. Central Command DOD News Release

Remembering the Victims of the Aurora, Colorado Shooting

Remembering the Victims of the Aurora, Colorado Shooting

President Obama honors the victims of the tragedy in Colorado, those who knew and loved them, and those who are struggling to recover.

Watch President Obama's weekly address:

A letter from Barack Obama

Same-sex couples should be allowed to marry
Friend --
Today, I was asked a direct question and gave a direct answer:

I believe that same-sex couples should be allowed to marry.

I hope you'll take a moment to watch the conversation, consider it, and weigh in yourself on behalf of marriage equality:

http://my.barackobama.com/Marriage

I've always believed that gay and lesbian Americans should be treated fairly and equally. I was reluctant to use the term marriage because of the very powerful traditions it evokes. And I thought civil union laws that conferred legal rights upon gay and lesbian couples were a solution.

But over the course of several years I've talked to friends and family about this. I've thought about members of my staff in long-term, committed, same-sex relationships who are raising kids together. Through our efforts to end the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, I've gotten to know some of the gay and lesbian troops who are serving our country with honor and distinction.

What I've come to realize is that for loving, same-sex couples, the denial of marriage equality means that, in their eyes and the eyes of their children, they are still considered less than full citizens.

Even at my own dinner table, when I look at Sasha and Malia, who have friends whose parents are same-sex couples, I know it wouldn't dawn on them that their friends' parents should be treated differently.

So I decided it was time to affirm my personal belief that same-sex couples should be allowed to marry.

I respect the beliefs of others, and the right of religious institutions to act in accordance with their own doctrines. But I believe that in the eyes of the law, all Americans should be treated equally. And where states enact same-sex marriage, no federal act should invalidate them.

If you agree, you can stand up with me here.

Thank you,

Barack

A letter from Barack Obama

Obama speaks during a press conference

President Barack Obama speaks during a press conference at Buckley Air Force Base, Colo., Jan. 26, 2012. (DoD photo by Senior Airman Marcy Glass, U.S. Air Force/ Released)

"We definitely expect and anticipate retaliatory attacks,"

Mon, May 2, 2011 at 5:01 PM

By Karen Parrish of 

American Forces Press Service FORWARD OPERATING BASE SHARANA, Afghanistan, May 2, 2011 - News of Osama bin Laden's death raced through the tents and plywood buildings that make up the headquarters of the 101st Airborne Division's 4th Brigade Combat Team here this morning. Within minutes of the president's televised announcement brigade leaders met this morning in their daily battle update briefing, and soldiers checked in by cell phone with buddies on other parts of the base: "OK, just wanted to be sure you heard." Task Force Currahee is on its second deployment to Afghanistan, responsible for counterinsurgency operations in Paktika province. Soldiers here smiled as they discussed the death of the terrorist responsible for murdering nearly 3,000 Americans and other nations' citizens in the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks in the United States. Army Maj. Rob Born, brigade operations officer, said bin Laden's death won't require the task force to change its operations significantly. "The assessment was in many ways, he was more of a symbolic, moral and figurative leader than he was involved in the command and control of day-to-day operations," Born said. "I think we will find out whether or not that hypothesis was true, and what the impact is." He said the task force will analyze the effects of the al-Qaida leader's death within its area of operation over the coming days and weeks. "We definitely expect and anticipate retaliatory attacks," he said. "[But] if they're hasty and not well planned, it's not going to work out well for the insurgents." Born said bin Laden's death is a validation of the nation's efforts to combat terrorism. "I think it's a tremendous achievement," he said. "It shows that persistence and attention to detail, agility, flexibility, working together with special operations forces and the intelligence community – it pays off." The positive demonstrations outside the White House and in New York City during Obama's announcement were encouraging, Born said. "It just shows that the American public is really engaged in what's going on, and they take pride in the achievements of their armed forces," he said. "That really was the best thing that I saw." Army Capt. David McKim, the brigade's assistant intelligence officer, termed bin Laden's death an example of how his profession operates. "That's truly how it does work for us," he said. "Things don't happen instantly, sometimes. A lot of our successes take time to build." He said for his shop, the mission in Regional Command East remains finding the enemy in Paktika and protecting the soldiers and population. Enemy forces the task force faces in Paktika are not necessarily closely linked to al-Qaida, McKim said, though many in Regional Command South are. Insurgents in Paktika are likely to respond to bin Laden's death in one of two ways, McKim said: their morale could suffer, or their activities could increase in retaliation. The al-Qaida leader's death comes at a time when I think everybody had given up," he said. "They thought, 'He's either dead, or we're not going to find him.' But that's how things work in our business – you don't know when." The fact that the military did find bin Laden "gives you that justification that yes, we are doing the right things," McKim said. In the overall counterinsurgency campaign, McKim said, bin Laden's death is a powerful counter to enemy propaganda, which claimed America would never capture him. There is no likely successor to bin Laden who will have the same stature, McKim said. "He was tall, he spoke very eloquently, ... [he had] power, influence, money," the intelligence officer said. "Granted, there are lots of other bad guys out there that will try to take his place." Other insurgents may now think twice about attacking U.S. and coalition forces, he said. "I think this is definitely a good thing," McKim said.

Related Sites: NATO International Security Assistance Force 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division  Related Articles: Obama Declares 'Justice Has Been Done'  U.S. Kills bin Laden in Intelligence-driven Operation