This was held only a few hours ago, thought I'd share.
April 11, 2012 10:40 AM EDT Joining Forces Anniversary Event
First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Biden kick off a celebration for military families and organization leaders who have played key roles in supporting our nation's troops, veterans and families. The Missouri Air National Guard's 571st Air Force Band "Sidewinder," a YouTube sensation, will open the event.
Remarks by the First Lady and Dr. Biden at the Joining Forces Anniversary Event
April 11, 2012 - DR. BIDEN: What a great day for a celebration. Thank you, General Dempsey, for that kind introduction and for all that you have done to support the Joining Forces initiative over the past year. I also want to thank Deanie Dempsey, who's been a wonderful partner and a wonderful friend. Thank you for your leadership. (Applause.)
To the Joining Forces Community Challenge finalists who are here, it was great to see you all yesterday, and we're delighted to have you here at the White House this morning.
One of the best parts of my role as Second Lady is spending time with military veterans and families. And I've traveled across the -- as I've traveled across the country and the world, I'm always inspired by the strength and the resilience of our military families. to read rest>>>
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MRS. OBAMA: Thank you, everyone. Please be seated. Welcome. Welcome to the White House. And happy anniversary.
I want to begin by thanking Moranda for that lovely introduction. But she is the reason why we do this. I mean, enough said. There are thousands of amazing kids like her all over this country that need to have this light shined on them. So we are so proud of you, so very proud of you -- and the others like you. So keep it up.
I also want to recognize Tom Brokaw, who has been such an advocate for our men and women in uniform. He has been amazing. And we are privileged to have him with us today and have his voice out there so passionately on behalf of families and troops. to read rest>>>
The White House Business Council's Guide to Hiring Veterans
April 10, 2012 - The number of veterans transitioning from active duty service to civilian life will increase over the coming years, and the Obama Administration is committed to doing everything in its power to assist them in re-entering civilian life and finding employment. As part of this effort, the administration is collaborating with small businesses and organizations throughout the country to make sure they have the resources they need to support and hire our veterans.
Across the nation, many entities (non-profits, for-profits, civic organizations, institutions of higher learning, community-based efforts, etc.) are committed to assisting Veterans as they transition out of the services and pursue civilian careers, higher education, institutional positions, or start their own businesses. To bring all of these entities together in a collaborative atmosphere, the Administration has developed the White House Business Council. The White House Business Council holds a series of multi-city forums throughout the year with over 500 cities to create a discussion focused on improving economic conditions and job creation. The forums feature high level discussions between senior White House and Administration officials and successful local area businesses and organizations. Small business owners are an important engine of economic growth, and these forums help focus the tools and resources they need in order to start, grow, and create jobs. read more>>>
A Government-wide Priority: Connecting Employers with Veterans and Their Families
April 10, 2012 - The President is committed to supporting our nationâs Veterans, Reservists, and Military Families as they transition to civilian life. To that end, unprecedented inter-agency collaborative efforts and the Joining Forces initiative have made a difference. There has been a groundswell of support for Veterans from the federal government, private industry, local communities, and individuals. Federal agencies, much like private industry, recognize the talent, ethos and relentless perseverance found in amongst this community.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is setting a great example with its support of our Veterans, Reservists, and Military Families. Many people do not think of agriculture when they consider delivering meaningful services and opportunities to our military personnel. But a large proportion of service members and Veterans call rural America home. USDA works to support this community, with a host of successful programs that assist military families with training, education, and employment.
USDA has launched a special task force that is working hard to expand these programs, get the word out about them, and fulfill the needs of military families in new and meaningful ways. Technological advancements have changed the face of farming and ranching in America, and USDA recognizes that Veterans have the advanced skills and training to cultivate the next generation of farmers and ranchers. read more>>>
Visit: Joining Forces
Let me add, those of us who've served, those serving now and especially in this past decade plus of wars of choice with multiple tours in two theaters, don't serve small groups of caring citizens who get it and start up organizations or whatever to help while then needing to fight for contributions to stay viable and continue that help. Nor to the pounding of the chests by many as to who are real patriots in the civilian ranks of the other 99%. We don't serve political parties nor political ideologies. We don't serve the corporate business world, though they reap the profits of our wars, we don't serve the wealthy class, though they to reap from their investments in and both are still reaping the profits of the defense industry right now. We serve the Whole Country while Defending it's Constitution, the Constitution not bits and pieces interpreted by special interests meanings of.
No Revenues = No Sacrifice = No Support = DeJa-Vu all over again!. Now a decade and counting, told to go shopping, added to the previous decades of under funding the VA, while the peoples reps Still try and lay blame on the Agency, after rubber stamping wars and costs of and those represented cheer on these wars!
While the wealthy and other investors garner their booty, still, from both and many have the chutz-pa to call themselves more patriotic{?} then others wrapped in those false flags, using false slogans and various cheap symbols of and then seek one day events or parades to wave all that patriotism, call it "Supporting the Troops", then go home and either ignore or forget about those that actually sacrificed for the country!