Message Center

A proclamation from President Barack Obama:

On January 12, 1962, United States Army pilots lifted more than 1,000 South Vietnamese service members over jungle and underbrush to capture a National Liberation Front stronghold near Saigon. Operation Chopper marked America’s first combat mission against the Viet Cong, and the beginning of one of our longest and most challenging wars. Through more than a decade of conflict that tested the fabric of our Nation, the service of our men and women in uniform stood true. Fifty years after that fateful mission, we honor the more than 3 million Americans who served, we pay tribute to those we have laid to rest, and we reaffirm our dedication to showing a generation of veterans the respect and support of a grateful Nation.

The Vietnam War is a story of service members of different backgrounds, colors, and creeds who came together to complete a daunting mission. It is a story of Americans from every corner of our Nation who left the warmth of family to serve the country they loved. It is a story of patriots who braved the line of fire, who cast themselves into harm’s way to save a friend, who fought hour after hour, day after day to preserve the liberties we hold dear. From Ia Drang to Hue, they won every major battle of the war and upheld the highest traditions of our Armed Forces.

Eleven years of combat left their imprint on a generation. Thousands returned home bearing shrapnel and scars; still more were burdened by the invisible wounds of post-traumatic stress, of Agent Orange, of memories that would never fade. More than 58,000 laid down their lives in service to our Nation. Now and forever, their names are etched into two faces of black granite, a lasting memorial to those who bore conflict’s greatest cost.

Our veterans answered our country’s call and served with honor, and on March 29, 1973, the last of our troops left Vietnam. Yet, in one of the war’s most profound tragedies, many of these men and women came home to be shunned or neglected — to face treatment unbefitting their courage and a welcome unworthy of their example. We must never let this happen again. Today, we reaffirm one of our most fundamental obligations: to show all who have worn the uniform of the United States the respect and dignity they deserve, and to honor their sacrifice by serving them as well as they served us. Half a century after those helicopters swept off the ground and into the annals of history, we pay tribute to the fallen, the missing, the wounded, the millions who served, and the millions more who awaited their return. Our Nation stands stronger for their service, and on Vietnam Veterans Day, we honor their proud legacy with our deepest gratitude.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 29, 2012, as Vietnam Veterans Day. I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that commemorate the 50-year anniversary of the Vietnam War.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.

BARACK OBAMA

A proclamation from President Barack Obama:

Nine years ago, members of the United States Armed Forces crossed the sands of the Iraq-Kuwait border and began one of the most challenging missions our military has ever known. They left the comforts of home and family, volunteering in service to a cause greater than themselves. They braved insurgency and sectarian strife, knowing too well the danger of combat and the cost of conflict. Yet, through the dust and din and the fog of war, they never lost their resolve. Demonstrating unshakable fortitude and unwavering commitment to duty, our men and women in uniform served tour after tour, fighting block by block to help the Iraqi people seize the chance for a better future. And on December 18, 2011, their mission came to an end.

Today, we honor their success, their service, and their sacrifice. In one of our Nation’s longest wars, veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn wrote one of the most extraordinary chapters in American military history. When highways became mine fields and uncertainty waited behind every corner, service members rose to meet the task at hand with unmatched courage and determination. They learned languages and cultures, taking on new roles as diplomats and development experts to improve the communities where they served. Their strength toppled a tyrant, and their valor helped build opportunity in oppression’s place. Across nearly 9 years of conflict, the glory of their service — as well as the contributions of other members of the U.S. Government and our coalition partners — always shone through.

The war left wounds not always seen, but forever felt. The burden of distance and the pain of loss weighed heavily on the hearts of millions at home and overseas. Behind every member of our military stood a parent, a spouse, or a son or daughter who proudly served their community and prayed for their loved one’s safe return. For wounded warriors, coming home marked the end of one battle and the beginning of another — to stand, to walk, to recover, and to serve again. And, in war’s most profound cost, there were those who never came home. Separated by time and space but united by their love of country, nearly 4,500 men and women are eternally bound; though we have laid them to rest, they will live on in the soul of our Nation now and forever. To them, to their families, and to all who served, we owe a debt that can never be fully repaid.

When we returned the colors of United States Forces-Iraq and the last of our troops set foot on American soil, we reflected on the extraordinary service and sacrifice of those who answered our country’s call. Their example embodied that fundamental American faith that tells us no mission is too hard, no challenge is too great, and that through tests and through trials, we will always emerge stronger than before. Now, our Nation reaffirms our commitment to serve veterans of Iraq as well as they served us — to uphold the sacred trust we share with all who have worn the uniform. Our future is brighter for their service, and today, we express our gratitude by saying once more: Welcome home.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 19, 2012, as a National Day of Honor.

I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that commemorate the return of the United States Armed Forces from Iraq.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.

BARACK OBAMA

Wounded Warrior ProjectT (WWP) announced today the upcoming dates for Soldier Ride, presented by GEICO, the premier fundraising event for WWP programs and initiatives to ensure this is the most successful, well-adjusted generation of Wounded Warriors in our nation’s history.

Each Soldier Ride is a one-day cycling event to help wounded warriors restore their physical and emotional well-being and to raise awareness for our nation’s Wounded Warriors who battle the physical and psychological damages of war.

2012 Soldier Ride Upcoming Dates:

• WASHINGTON, D.C.: April 19 – 22, 2012
• CHICAGO: June 14 – 17, 2012
• NEW YORK: July 18 – 22, 2012
• GERMANY: July 29 – Aug. 7, 2012
• SEATTLE: Sept. 13 – 17, 2012
• NORTH FORK: Sept. 26 – 30, 2012
• PHOENIX: Oct. 18 – 21, 2012
• NASHVILLE: Nov. 1 – 4, 2012
• SAN ANTONIO: Nov. 15 – 18, 2012

Warriors of all ability levels cycle in Soldier Ride. There are state-of-the-art adaptive hand cycles, trikes, and bicycles to accommodate warriors with various injuries and disabilities, as well as unmodified road bikes for riders not requiring adaptive equipment.

Community support is an essential part of the emotional healing process for many of these wounded warriors. Also a great way to show thanks, Wounded Warrior Project encourages communities to line the streets to welcome their local heroes as they cycle through town. Route maps and volunteer opportunities are available!

The PenFed Foundation is holding a video contest to find a caregiver of a wounded veteran who will be honored as the “hero at home” at its Eighth Annual Night of Heroes Gala this May. And you, the public, will help choose the winner on YouTube.

To enter to win, contestants must upload a one- to two-minute video on YouTube about a ‘hero at home’ who went above and beyond to care for an injured service member and then complete the entry form and include the URL of the video.

Contestants must also “like” the PenFed Foundation’s official fan page. Nominations may be made by veterans, their caregivers, or a third party. All submitted videos will be featured on the PenFed Foundation’s YouTube contest page and the top five finalists will be featured at http://bit.ly/heroathomefinalists for the public to vote on the winner.

Entries will be accepted between March 1, 2012 and April 12, 2012, 11:59 p.m. EST. Five finalists will be announced on April 16 and the public will be invited to help choose the winner on the PenFed Foundation’s YouTube finalist’s page at http://bit.ly/heroathomefinalists through April 22, 2012, 11:59 p.m. EST by “liking” their favorite video. The winner will be officially announced on April 23, 2012.

Congratulations to Capt. Bob Silah, USN-Ret., and the MOAA Tampa (Fla.) Chapter that runs Operation Helping Hand (OHH).

The Bolts honored Bob Silah as a community hero at the Lightning game on Tuesday vs. the Ducks. Bob was awarded a $50,000 grant to the charity of his choice, which is of course Operation Helping Hand!

Servant leadership at its best:

Find a local chapter near you and get involved!

Here are some exciting FREE opportunities for the injured, ill and wounded veteran community-

Free with the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago and Wounded Heroes Foundation- A collaborating effort to offer a FREE camp for wounded, ill or injured military personnel who are interested to learn more about winter sports. The camp will take place February 23-26 in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin and includes introductions to the sports of: downhill skiing, cross country skiing, biathlon, sled hockey and more. Check out their flyer for details: 2012WinterMilitaryCampFlyer Application: www.ricsports.org/military.

Free paralympic military camp opportunities in 2012 hosted by the Lakeshore Foundation in Birmingham, AL. The application can be accessed online. Check out their flyer for details on events taking place February through September: Lima Foxtrot 2012.

On Sunday, March 4, 2012, women from all five service branches will gather for a professional growth and leadership development symposium themed “United in Service: Our Global Impact,” at the Gaylord National Hotel & Convention Center in National Harbor, Md, which will spotlight the global impact of women military leaders and also offer the women the opportunity to focus on professional growth and development.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey; Michèle Flournoy, under secretary of defense for Policy; Jackie Joyner-Kersee, retired American athlete and Olympic medalist; and Representative Susan Davis, co-chair on military issues for the Congressional Women’s Caucus are all confirmed speakers for the Sea Service Leadership Association (SSLA)’s 25th Silver Anniversary Annual Women’s Leadership Symposium. The annual conference is the largest gathering of women in uniform nationwide with some 1,300 participants last year.

For more information about registration or the symposium please visit www.sealeader.org or check out the event on Facebook.

Military.com’s Spouse Summit is a first-of-its kind event aimed at informing and empowering military spouses. The Summit brings together Subject Matter Experts to address the most pressing issues facing military families today. Whether it’s learning how to overcome obstacles that stand in the way of career or education goals, or how the state of the economy could affect military pay and benefits, the 2012 Spouse Summit will cover the substantive issues which are crucial to maintaining the mental, physical and financial health of our military families.

Check out the Spouse Summit flyer for more details on the conference, and to register for the March 2-3 event in Arlington, VA!

First Lady Michelle Obama announces measures to increase support for caregivers of wounded, ill and injured service members at the Labor Department in Washington, D.C., Jan. 30, 2012. These proposed rules would, in part, enable more military family members to take the time they need to care for their loved ones without fear of career repercussions. DOD photo by Elaine Sanchez

First Lady Michelle Obama today announced a series of measures intended to increase the nation’s support for caregivers of wounded, ill and injured service members.

Joined by Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis and senior military leaders, Obama announced the Labor Department’s proposal to expand military family leave protections under the Family and Medical Leave Act.

These proposed rules will, in part, enable more military family members to take the time they need to care for their loved ones without fear of career repercussions, the first lady said.

The Labor Department’s proposed expansions of the Family and Medical Leave Act will help more caregivers of troops and veterans tend to their wounded loved ones, Solis explained. FMLA, enacted in 1993, enables eligible employees of covered employers to take unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons.

The proposal will, in part:

• Extend the 26-week unpaid leave entitlement to family members caring for recent veterans with a serious injury or illness incurred in the line of duty, including conditions that may arise up to five years after leaving the military;
• Allow family members to take time off from work before, during or after a spouse, child or parent’s deployment to tend to service-related matters, such as military briefings or making financial and legal arrangements; and
• Increase the amount of time an employee may take to spend with a loved one who is on rest or recuperation leave from five days to up to 15 days.

The Labor Department’s proposal is just a few of many steps the Obama administration is taking to support caregivers, the first lady noted, citing legislation the president signed to help caregivers receive stipends, training, counseling and other assistance. The Defense and Labor departments also have strengthened their caregiver support, she said, working together to support caregivers whose loved ones are dealing with TBIs and post-traumatic stress.

Additionally, she added, the VA has helped caregivers receive health insurance and helps connect them with support coordinators who can direct them to resources.

But the government can’t do it alone, Mrs. Obama said, citing examples of how other individuals and organizations are stepping up to help.

Building on successful pilot programs at Fort Belvoir, Va., and Fort Carson, Colo., the USO, Hire Heroes USA and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce plan to host 14 career opportunity days focused on the employment of wounded, ill and injured warriors, their spouses and caregivers.

The Chamber of Commerce’s new Military Spouse Business Alliance has committed to hosting a career forum and hiring fair exclusively for wounded warriors, their spouses and caregivers at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., in May.

Finally, Operation Homefront and the Semper Fi Fund, both nonprofit organizations, have added volunteer opportunities that support caregivers and their families to the Joining Forces website.

Read the full release from the Department of Defense.

African American Diversity Concerts – free, live performances by the U.S. Navy Band held at the United States Navy Memorial in honor of Black History Month. The first performance, on Friday, February 17, will feature the Brass Quartet with guest soloist Musician 1st Class Cory Parker in a concert that tells the story of the integration of African-Americans in the U.S. Navy. The second performance, on Monday, February 27, will feature the U.S. Navy Band’s premier jazz ensemble, the Commodores, and include a narrative lecture component by MUCS Michael Bayes.

African Americans have had a major presence in the U.S. Navy since the 19th Century. Their role grew tremendously during the Civil War when many newly freed slaves joined forces with U.S. sailors in working towards a common goal.

The concerts are part of a series that celebrates different ethnicities in the Navy. Upcoming performances will pay homage to women and Asian-Pacific Islanders.

• Friday, February 17, 2012 at 12:00pm
  Monday, February 27, 2012 at 12:00pm
• United States Navy Memorial
  Burke Theater
  701 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
  Washington, D.C. 20004
  www.navymemorial.org
  Metro: National Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter (Green and Yellow lines)
• COST: Free and open to the public. No RSVP required, but seating is limited.

For more information about the U.S. Navy Band, please call 202-433-3366 or visit www.navyband.navy.mil.