Presidential politics

Statement by the President on the Passing of Congressman John Murtha

Michelle and I were deeply saddened today to hear about the passing of Congressman John Murtha. Jack was a devoted husband, a loving father and a steadfast advocate for the people of Pennsylvania for nearly 40 years. His passion for service was born during his decorated career in the United States Marine Corps, and he went on to earn the distinction of being the first Vietnam War combat veteran elected to Congress. Jack's tough-as-nails reputation carried over to Congress, where he became a respected voice on issues of national security. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife of nearly 55 years, Joyce, their three children, and the entire Murtha family.

Presidential Proclamation — 65th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge

A PROCLAMATION

In December 1944, a brave band of American soldiers, stationed in the Ardennes Forest region on the Western Front of Europe, who were surrounded, poorly supplied and surviving in brutally cold conditions, took the brunt of a furious German assault.  Their valor defined not just the beginning of the end of a World War, but also one of the greatest generations of Americans.  Like patriots before them, they stood resolute, confident in their training, and determined to preserve those enduring American ideals of freedom and justice.  On the 65th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, a grateful Nation remembers the fallen who gave their lives in that critical battle, and we pay tribute to the heroes whose indomitable strength led to victory in World War II.

When asked about the Battle of the Bulge, British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill remarked, "This is undoubtedly the greatest American battle of the war and will, I believe, be regarded as an ever-famous American victory."  Confronting not just the advancing German Army, but the elements, American service members withstood the assault and eventually repelled the Nazi forces, but at tremendous cost in lives and wounded soldiers.

On this anniversary, we reflect on the enduring commitment of our Armed Forces in defending our liberty, as inspiring today as it was in 1944.  The discipline and courage displayed in the Battle of the Bulge continues in Iraq, Afghanistan, and wherever our men and women in uniform are serving.  They represent the best of our Nation and we are eternally grateful for their service and sacrifice.

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 Wednesday, December 16, 2009, as the 65th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge.  I encourage all Americans to observe this solemn day of remembrance with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

BARACK OBAMA

Presidential Proclamation - National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

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A PROCLAMATION

President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared December 7, 1941, a "date which will live in infamy." With over 3,500 Americans killed or wounded, the surprise attack by the Imperial Japanese on Pearl Harbor was an attempt to break the American will and destroy our Pacific Fleet. They succeeded in doing neither. On National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we pay tribute to the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, and we honor all those who selflessly served our Nation at home and abroad during World War II.

On a tranquil Sunday morning, as war raged around the globe, the attack on Pearl Harbor effectively ended American isolation -- thrusting our Nation into action. Japanese airplanes had launched an unprovoked assault on our military with immense firepower, and our service members valiantly answered the call. They defended their positions, fought back against the attackers, and cared for the wounded. In that darkest hour, men and women who had considered themselves ordinary found within themselves the ability to do something extraordinary. And in the months and years that followed, Americans all across the country would respond to Pearl Harbor with firm resolve, many joining our Armed Forces to defend our shores and our freedom.

This courage is not uncommon in the story of America -- a story of heroes whose sacrifice and valor speak to their love of comrades and country; and whose goodness guides our quest for lasting peace. Today, and every day, we draw strength from the moment when the best among us defended an island and a Nation from the onslaught of tyranny, and forever altered the course of our history.

The Congress, by Public Law 103-308, as amended, has designated December 7 of each year as "National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day."

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Monday, December 7, 2009, as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. I encourage all Americans to observe this solemn day of remembrance with appropriate ceremonies and activities. I urge all Federal agencies and interested organizations, groups, and individuals to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff this December 7 in honor of those American patriots who died as a result of their service at Pearl Harbor.

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

BARACK OBAMA

Remarks by the First Lady at Tea for Military Women

2:25 P.M. EST

MRS. OBAMA:  Thank you so much.   Thank you.  Isn't this nice?  (Laughter.)  Just so very nice.

Let me begin by thanking Secretary Napolitano for that very kind introduction and for her outstanding work in keeping this country safe.  She is a true friend and she has been doing an amazing job and we are so proud to have her on our team.

I'd also like to thank to Dr. Jill Biden -- a Blue Star Mom, by the way -- and a dear friend of mine as well.  She has just been a tireless advocate of highlighting the service of the National Guard and Reserve members and families.  It has just been a thrill for me to be able to work with her on this issue and many others.  Jill, thank you for everything you’ve done.

And I also would like to acknowledge Representatives Susan Davis, Gwen Moore, as well as Jan Schakowsky, who are here, for their terrific work and for joining us here today; it's good to see you all.  And I also want to recognize General Cartwright, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, along with the members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff who are here, and their wonderful wives -- and this wasn’t in the script, but please stand so that we can recognize and thank all of you -- I know you weren't supposed to this, but you can do it, it's my house.  (Applause.)

You know, Jill and I are particularly grateful to the wives of the members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff because they have -- from day one we sat down with them and got advice and guidance on sort of how to develop our initiatives.  So we're grateful to you.

And I also want to thank to the senior enlisted advisors who are here today and their wives -- and I'd also like to ask them to stand as well so we can give them a round of applause.  (Applause.)  Thank you so much.

Again, with the spouses, we met with shortly thereafter and we had a terrific conversation.  The guidance that you have given us has meant a great deal.  It's really ensured that the efforts that we've undertaken are substantive and accurate.  So thank you all.  Thank you for your support and thank you for being here today.

Let me also thank Patty Shinseki for her tremendous efforts on behalf of our nation’s military children.  Her husband, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki, is doing a terrific job and Patty has become just one of my dearest friends and just always a spot of courage in a sea of work.  (Laughter.)  So where's Patty?  Patty, where are you?  Thank you, Patty.  (Applause.)

And if any of you are still wondering why you're here -- (laughter) -- it's not just tea.  You have to thank General Wilma Vaught.  General.  (Applause.)  I had the privilege of meeting this amazing woman at the Women in Military Service Memorial that occurred at Arlington National Cemetery -- when was that?  That was a few months ago.  And as you all know, she has just poured her heart and soul into that memorial, just to ensure that America’s servicewomen receive the recognition that they’ve earned.

And I had a tremendous visit that day and one of the things that she said -- she turned to me -- who was there?  You remember, she said, Eleanor Roosevelt did a tea, and she said something else, and she said, "We're coming for tea, right?"  (Laughter.)  I said, of course we're going to have tea.  And here we are.  So this is why you're here.  (Applause.)  It was an excellent idea -- excellent idea.

But I also want to honor two very special ladies who are here today, and I got to meet them as well, earlier this year:  Esther Corcoran, who was born in 1905 -- I hope you don't mind me telling on you -- (laughter and applause.)  Esther was one of the first women in the Army to achieve the rank of Lieutenant Colonel -- pretty amazing.  (Applause.)  And she is joining us today with Alyce Dixon, who was born in 1907 -- Alyce.  (Applause.)  And Alyce served with the famous 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion during the Second World War.  So let's give them both another round of applause.  (Applause.)

These ladies have contributed a great deal to this country, and while their lives may span a century, they’re both young at heart -- I've talked to them, they're pretty spunky -- (laughter) -- and we are thrilled to have you both here today, thrilled and honored and grateful for your service.

And finally, I want to thank all of you -- all the women who have served this nation with courage, determination, and distinction, from World War II to today in Iraq and Afghanistan.  You have served in times of war and in times of peace -- an all-volunteer force right from the beginning -- part of a proud tradition that stretches back more than two centuries.

Long before women had the right to vote -- long before we even had the right to vote -- or own property, before America even existed, women were serving this country -- facing danger, risking their lives, even dressing up like men so they’d be allowed to serve.

And it’s never been an easy path.  I can only imagine how challenging it has been and continues to be.  I know that some of you have faced skepticism and ridicule.  Some of you had to contend not just with the challenge of doing your jobs, but with others’ perceptions that you weren’t up to the job simply because of your gender.  As Air Force veteran Dr. Donna Loraine put it -- this is a quote -- "To be a success, a woman had to be confident, self-assured, persistent and have a great sense of humor.  At times you had to employ a certain desperate deviousness to get the job done."  (Laughter.)

So maybe you had to work a little harder -- and a little smarter.  You may have felt a little lonely at times.  At times, you may have gotten downright discouraged.  But you stuck it out, each and every one of you.  You found colleagues who supported you -- of all genders and all races and all backgrounds.  You found superiors who pushed you and encouraged you.  And then you rose to the challenge.  You rose and you found opportunities to advance and to build exciting, amazing careers.  And along the way, you all broke one "brass ceiling" after another.

In this room alone, we have the first female four star general.  We have the first woman in the Navy to be promoted to Master Chief.  The first woman in the Army Reserve to be promoted to the general officer rank.  We have the first woman in the Army to receive the Expert Field Medical Badge.  We have the first African American woman to serve as Chief Nurse at Walter Reed Hospital.  And so many more "firsts" and "onlys" -- and that's the result of your hard work and your courage and your persistence.

But we know these achievements aren’t yours alone.  That's something that Jill and I have talked about, we've learned more about over the course of this year, because we know that service doesn’t just end with the person wearing the uniform.  You all know that.  We know that our servicemen and women’s sacrifices are their families’ sacrifices as well.  And many of you have spouses, partners, children, parents who stood by you and encouraged you and prayed for you every step of the way.  And this day is their day too, as far as we're concerned.  So let’s take a moment to recognize those members of our families who supported you in your service as well.  (Applause.)

But I hope you all know that your service -- that your legacy is more than just your own service.  I hope that you know that your legacy will be measured in the service of every woman who follows in the trails that you've blazed -- every woman who benefits from your daring and determination.  It will be measured in the inspiration that you provide to our daughters and our granddaughters -- and to our sons and our grandsons as well.

Because of you, when young women wonder how high they can rise in our military, they can look at General Ann Dunwoody and her four hard earned stars.  That can see that, it's real.  When they ask what kind of jobs they can do, they can look to women like all of you who’ve played just about every kind of role imaginable.  And when they ask whether they can cut it -- whether they have what it takes to succeed -- all they have to do is to look at your lives, to look into your lives and to look at the careers that you've developed that inspire us all.

They can look to the example of Coast Guard Commander Dorothy Stratton, who led the SPARS during World War II.  She stated, "We wanted to serve our country in its time of need."  She said, I'm proud to sponsor -- oh, she didn't say this, but I am proud to sponsor a new Coast Guard cutter bearing her name to ensure that her service will be remembered for generations.  (Applause.)

They can look to Jennifer Grieves, who made history by becoming the first woman Marine One aircraft commander, and by commanding the first-ever flight with an all-female crew -- I remember this -- proudly carrying my husband from the White House to Andrews Air Force Base back in July.  That was a wonderful day.

They can look to Tammy Duckworth, who flew combat missions in Iraq and lost both her legs when her helicopter was hit by a grenade.  She went on to become a fearless advocate for veterans and wounded warriors, and now serves as Assistant Secretary for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs at the Veterans Affairs Department.  Thank you, Tammy.  (Applause.)

And they can look to the example of women like Amy Krueger, who lost her life in the unthinkable violence at Fort Hood two weeks ago.  Amy had enlisted in the Army after the September 11th attacks.  And when her mother told her that she couldn’t take on Osama bin Laden all by herself, Amy replied, simply:  "Watch me."

She said, "Watch me."  And I think that more than anything, that phrase "watch me" sums up the spirit of our women in uniform throughout our history.  When others doubted you, or dismissed you, or questioned whether you could endure the training or complete the mission -- that was your response:  "Watch me."  Right?

Watch me succeed.  Watch me risk everything I have for the country I love.  Watch me do my part to protect this nation and protect this union.  Watch me.

So we thank you for your courage and your service.  We're honored to have you in our presence.  We're thrilled, General, that you came up with this brilliant idea.  (Laughter.)  And we hope that you don't spike the tea until after we leave.  (Laughter.)  But we are thrilled to have you here.  Welcome to the White House and thank you so much for your service.  Thank you and God bless.  (Applause.)

END
2:40 P.M. EST

Remarks by the First Lady at Mission Serve Event

George Washington University
Washington, D.C.

2:36 P.M. EST

MRS. OBAMA:  Thank you so much.  I am thrilled to be here -- thrilled and honored.  We've had a wonderful day today, as Jill said, and this just tops it off.

First let me begin by thanking Jill for her kind introduction.  As a Blue Star Mom, as she said, whose son recently returned from Iraq, Jill has brought her personal experience to our work in the White House and it has been invaluable.  She's working tirelessly to highlight the extraordinary service of our National Guard and Reserve members and their families.

She is a wonderful partner and a dear friend to me and my husband and I lover her dearly.  Please, let's give Jill another round of applause.  (Applause.)

It is such a privilege to be here with all of you today, on this Veterans Day, to help launch Service Nation's new civilian-military initiative, Mission Serve.

I want to thank Senator Merkley, who's here, and Major General Steven Roman Abt for joining us today.  And I'd also like to recognize Colonel Rob Gordon, Mission Serve's Chair; as well as Ross Cohen, the Director for Civilian-Military Partnerships for Service Nation; and all of the people and partners who have worked so hard to create this effort.  You all have done just a fabulous job.

And I also want to thank GW.  (Applause.)  Go GW!  (Applause.)  And your president, Steve Knapp, for hosting us today.  (Applause.)

As some of you know, a couple of months ago I issued a little challenge to this university:  that if students, faculty and staff here did 100,000 hours of community service -- that I'd do what?

AUDIENCE:  Speak at commencement!

MRS. OBAMA:  Speak at commencement.  Well, in just seven weeks -- just seen weeks -- you all have done more than 19,000 hours of service.  That is pretty amazing.  That's wonderful.  (Applause.)  So if you all keep it up, maybe I'll see you here in May, right?  (Laughter.)

Finally, I feel particularly privileged to share the stage today with Mrs. Alma Powell, who knows -- she knows a thing or two about service and sacrifice.  (Applause.)  She's devoted her life to giving our young people every opportunity to fulfill their dreams.  And she is a wonderful role model to me, just a tremendous asset to this country -- another round of applause for Mrs. Alma Powell.  (Applause.)

One of the greatest privileges that I have as First Lady is the chance to meet with veterans, and to meet with service members, and their families all across America.  And I have to tell you, I always come away from every single visit with this sense of pride, and gratitude -- but also with a sense of awe.  True awe.

I'm in awe of sacrifices they make -- if you think about it, a tiny fraction of our population bearing the burden of eight years of war, serving tour after tour of duty, missing out on birthdays and anniversaries and those precious moments with the people that they love most.

I'm in awe of the men and women that I meet who have been wounded -- and some very seriously -- who will tell you that all they think about is not their injuries but about the folks that they left behind; and all they want to do is to be back in their unit, serving this country again.  I'm in awe.

And I'm in awe of the military families that I meet:  spouses who play the role of both parents, trying to juggle getting to baseball games and ballet recitals, doing it all; grandparents who step in to care for the children when a single mom or dad in uniform is away; people who find the strength to carry on after those they love most have made the ultimate sacrifice.

And we witnessed their courage and grace this past week in the aftermath of the unthinkable tragedy at Fort Hood.  And we hold those who lost their lives and those who love them in our thoughts and prayers today.  All of these men and women, they joined our armed forces because they love this country so much that they're willing to give everything they have to protect it.
And that commitment, it doesn't just disappear when they return to civilian life.

See, that's the beauty of it -- it doesn't go away.  For many of these folks, service is the air they breathe.  It's the reason they were put here on this Earth.  And they don't just want to serve for a certain number of years of deployment -- they want to make their entire life a tour of duty.

And whether it's technical skills in engineering, logistics, public safety; whether it's leadership skills like team building and performing under intense pressure -- what they've learned standing watch over the homeland and fighting wars abroad is precisely what we need to meet our biggest challenges here at home.

And that's whether it's turning around a failing school or managing a big-city homeless shelter -- we need that energy; whether it's running a rural health clinic or rescuing a community struck by a natural disaster -- our veterans have what it takes for success.

So they have the skills to serve, and they have the will to serve -- and it's up to us to give them the opportunity to serve.  And that's why the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act that my husband signed into law establishes a Veterans Corps.  That's why our United We Serve summer of service program engaged veterans groups all across America, deploying them to serve their communities right here at home.

And that's why we're so thrilled about the endeavor you all are launching here today.  Through the partnerships in this new coalition, wounded warriors are mentoring young people and combating gang violence.  Through this initiative veterans are building homes in New Orleans, and working to reduce the dropout rate in Boston and Philadelphia, and helping their fellow veterans reintegrate into communities all across America.

And ordinary citizens are mobilizing to give something back to our men and women in uniform who've given us so much -- like offering free summer camps for military kids; or working to expand economic opportunity for military families; providing job training, educational support and mental health services for veterans.

It's this kind of work this administration has been doing since my husband took office.  His budget called for the largest percentage increase in the Veterans Administration budget in 30 years, and that includes pay raises to our troops; it includes improvements in health care, education and housing; and career development for military spouses.  (Applause.)

This administration is providing more on-base childcare and expanding the Family and Medical Leave Act to help military families and wounded veterans keep their jobs and fulfill their responsibilities as parents, spouses and caregivers.

And just this week, my husband signed an executive order that will dramatically step up our efforts to hire veterans throughout our federal government.

But we all know that in the end, supporting our military and military families requires more than just good government -- I say this all the time -- it also requires an active citizenship.  Because when our troops go off to war, they are protecting every single one of us.  The freedoms they fight for are ones that every single one of us enjoys.

So it's up to every single one of us to honor their service with service of our own.  It's up to us to recognize our veterans not just for all they've done for this country -- but for all they will continue to do for this country.  That's what Mission Serve is all about.

It's about honoring the dedication that led a young man named Kent Park to West Point and then ultimately to Iraq.  And it motivated him to continue his service as a mentor to young people when he returned back home.  And as Kent put it, he said,
"You have to be an active participant by giving back to your community and doing your part," he said, "…that's what being a citizen means.  It's a lifetime of steady dedication to service."

It's about honoring the courage that led Amber Bahr, a soldier whom I met at Fort Hood yesterday -- see, Amber rushed to the aid of others during the attack last week -- as she helped out a number of her fellow soldiers, not even realizing she had been shot in the back herself.  She later explained, this is her quote, "…my own personal safety wasn't really what mattered to me…making sure that my battle buddies were safe," she said, "that was my number one priority."

And it's about honoring the service and sacrifice of our military families, too.  It's about honoring people like Daniel DeCrow, who I met at Fort Hood.  He lost his son Justin.  He said the last time he spoke to Justin, he told him how proud he was.  And he later said, "That's what I said to him every time I saw him -- that I loved him and I was proud of what he was doing."  He said, "I can carry that around in my heart."

So may each and every one of us carry that same pride, that same gratitude, that same love in our hearts -- not just on this day, but every single day.

Thank you so much and God bless you all.  (Applause.)

END                             
2:48 P.M. EST
                                        
 

Statement by the Press Secretary on S. 509

On November 11, 2009, the President signed into law:

S. 509, which authorizes a Department of Veterans Affairs major medical facility project in Walla Walla, Washington

Executive Order - Veterans Employment Initiative

By the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 301 of title 3 of the United States Code, I hereby order as follows:

Section 1. Policy. Veterans have served and sacrificed in defense of our Nation. When they complete their service, we must do everything in our power to assist them in re-entering civilian life and finding employment. Government as well as private employers should play a prominent role in helping veterans who may be struggling to find jobs. As one of the Nation's leading employers, the Federal Government is in need of highly skilled individuals to meet agency staffing needs and to support mission objectives. Our veterans, who have benefited from training and development during their military service, possess a wide variety of skills and experiences, as well as the motivation for public service, that will help fulfill Federal agencies' staffing needs. It is therefore the policy of my Administration to enhance recruitment of and promote employment opportunities for veterans within the executive branch, consistent with merit system principles and veterans' preferences prescribed by law. The Federal Government will thereby help lead by example in promoting veterans' employment.

Sec. 2. Council on Veterans Employment. There is hereby established an interagency Council on Veterans Employment (Council), to be co-chaired by the Secretaries of Labor and Veterans Affairs. The Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) shall serve as Vice Chair of the Council.

   (a) Mission and Function of the Council. The Council shall:

      (i) advise and assist the President and the Director of OPM in establishing a coordinated Government-wide effort to increase the number of veterans employed by the Federal Government by enhancing recruitment and training;

      (ii) serve as a national forum for promoting veterans' employment opportunities in the executive branch; and

      (iii) establish performance measures to assess the effectiveness of, and submit an annual report to the President on the status of, the Veterans Employment Initiative described in section 3 of this order.

   (b) Membership of the Council. The Council shall consist of the heads of the following agencies and such other executive branch agencies as the President may designate:

      (i) the Department of State;

      (ii) the Department of the Treasury;

      (iii) the Department of Defense;

      (iv) the Department of Justice;

      (v) the Department of the Interior;

      (vi) the Department of Agriculture;

      (vii) the Department of Commerce;

      (viii) the Department of Labor;

      (ix) the Department of Health and Human Services;

      (x) the Department of Housing and Urban Development;

      (xi) the Department of Transportation;

      (xii) the Department of Energy;

      (xiii) the Department of Education;

      (xiv) the Department of Veterans Affairs;

      (xv) the Department of Homeland Security;

      (xvi) the Environmental Protection Agency;

      (xvii) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration;

      (xviii) the Agency for International Development;

      (xix) the General Services Administration;

      (xx) the National Science Foundation;

      (xxi) the Nuclear Regulatory Commission;

      (xxii) the Office of Personnel Management;

      (xxiii) the Small Business Administration; and

      (xxiv) the Social Security Administration. A member of the Council may designate, to perform the Council functions of the member, a senior official who is part of the member's agency, and who is a full-time officer or employee of the Federal Government.

   (c) Administration of the Council. The Co-Chairs shall convene meetings of the Council, determine its agenda, and direct its work. At the direction of the Co-Chairs, the Council more 3 may establish subgroups consisting exclusively of Council members or their designees, as appropriate. The Vice Chair shall designate an Executive Director for the Council to support the Vice Chair in managing the Council's activities. The OPM shall provide administrative support for the Council to the extent permitted by law and within existing appropriations.

   (d) Steering Committee. There is established within the Council a Steering Committee consisting of the Secretaries of Defense, Labor, Veterans Affairs, and Homeland Security, the Director of OPM, and any other Council member designated by the Co-Chairs. The Steering Committee shall be responsible for providing leadership, accountability, and strategic direction to the Council.

Sec. 3. Veterans Employment Initiative. The agencies represented on the Council shall participate in a Veterans Employment Initiative (Initiative). Under the Initiative, each participating agency shall, to the extent permitted by law:

   (a) develop an agency-specific Operational Plan for promoting employment opportunities for veterans, consistent with the Government-wide Veterans Recruitment and Employment Strategic Plan described in section 4 of this order, merit system principles, the agency's strategic human capital plan, and other applicable workforce planning strategies and initiatives;

   (b) within 120 days of the date of this order, establish a Veterans Employment Program Office, or designate an agency officer or employee with full-time responsibility for its Veterans Employment Program, to be responsible for enhancing employment opportunities for veterans within the agency, consistent with law and merit system principles, including developing and implementing the agency's Operational Plan, veterans recruitment programs, and training programs for veterans with disabilities, and for coordinating employment counseling to help match the career aspirations of veterans to the needs of the agency;

   (c) provide mandatory annual training to agency human resources personnel and hiring managers concerning veterans' employment, including training on veterans' preferences and special authorities for the hiring of veterans;

   (d) identify key occupations for which the agency will provide job counseling and training to better enable veterans to meet agency staffing needs associated with those occupations; and

   (e) coordinate with the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs to promote further development and application of technology designed to assist transitioning service members and veterans with disabilities.

Sec. 4. Additional Responsibilities of the Director of the Office of Personnel Management. The Director of OPM shall, in consultation with the Council and to the extent permitted by law: 

   (a) develop a Government-wide Veterans Recruitment and Employment Strategic Plan, to be updated at least every 3 years, addressing barriers to the employment of veterans in the executive branch and focusing on:

      (i) identifying actions that agency leaders should take to improve employment opportunities for veterans;

      (ii) developing the skills of transitioning military service members and veterans;

      (iii) marketing the Federal Government as an employer of choice to transitioning service members and veterans;

      (iv) marketing the talent, experience, and dedication of transitioning service members and veterans to Federal agencies; and

      (v) disseminating Federal employment information to veterans and hiring officials;

   (b) provide Government-wide leadership in recruitment and employment of veterans in the executive branch;

   (c) identify key occupations, focusing on positions in high-demand occupations where talent is needed to meet Government-wide staffing needs, for which the Federal Government will provide job counseling and training under section 5(a) of this order to veterans and transitioning military service personnel;

   (d) develop mandatory training for both human resources personnel and hiring managers on veterans' employment, including veterans' preference and special hiring authorities;

   (e) compile and post on the OPM website Government-wide statistics on the hiring of veterans; and

   (f) within 1 year of the date of this order and with the advice of the Council, provide recommendations to the President on improving the ability of veterans' preference laws to meet the needs of the new generation of veterans, especially those transitioning from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the needs of Federal hiring officials.

Sec. 5. Responsibilities of the Secretaries of Defense, Labor, Veterans Affairs, and Homeland Security. The Secretaries of Defense, Labor, Veterans Affairs, and Homeland Security shall take the following actions, to the extent permitted by law:

   (a) The Secretaries of Defense, Labor, Veterans Affairs, and Homeland Security shall, in consultation with OPM, develop and implement counseling and training programs to align veterans' and transitioning service members' skills and career aspirations to Federal employment opportunities, targeting Federal occupations that are projected to have heavy recruitment needs.

   (b) The Secretary of Labor shall conduct employment workshops for veterans and transitioning military service personnel as part of the Transition Assistance Program (TAP), more 5 and integrate in those workshops information about the Federal hiring process, veterans' preference laws, special hiring authorities, and Federal job opportunities.

   (c) The Secretary of Defense and Secretary of Homeland Security (with respect to the Coast Guard) shall:

      (i) reinforce military leadership's commitment and support of the service members' transition process; and

      (ii) institute policies that encourage every eligible service member to take the opportunity to enroll in any or all of the four components of the TAP.

      (d) The Secretaries of Labor and Veterans Affairs shall:

      (i) assist veterans and transitioning service members in translating military skills, training, and education to Federal occupations through programs developed under subsection (a) of this section; and

      (ii) provide training to employment and rehabilitation counselors on the Federal hiring process, veterans' preferences, special hiring authorities, and identifying Federal employment opportunities for veterans. Sec. 6. General Provisions.

   (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

      (i) authority granted by law to a department or agency or the head thereof; or

      (ii) functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

   (b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

   (c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

BARACK OBAMA
THE WHITE HOUSE,
November 9, 2009.

President Obama Launches Major Veterans Employment Initiative

Initiative Would Transform Federal Government into Model of Veterans Employment

Washington, DC – Today, the White House announced the launch of an initiative that is designed to transform the federal government into the model employer of America’s veterans.  This evening, President Obama will be joined by Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki, Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and Office of Personnel Management Director John Berry to sign an Executive Order on the Employment of Veterans in the federal government, which establishes the Veterans Employment Initiative for the Executive Branch. The Initiative underscores to federal agencies the importance of recruiting and training veterans, aims to increase the employment of veterans within the Executive Branch, and helps recently hired veterans adjust to service in a civilian capacity.

“Honoring our sacred trust with America’s veterans means doing all we can to help them find work when they come home so they never feel as if the American Dream they fought to defend is out of reach for them and their families,” said President Obama. “But this initiative is about more than repaying our debt for their courageous service and selfless sacrifice.  It’s also about continuing to fill the ranks of federal employees with men and women who possess the skills, dedication, and sense of duty that Americans deserve from their public servants.  And few embody those qualities like our nation’s veterans.”
 
The Executive Order creates an interagency Council on Veterans Employment that will advise the President and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management on the veterans’ employment initiative.  The Council will be chaired by Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis and Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki. OPM Director John Berry will serve as the Vice Chair and Chief Operating Officer of the Council.

“Veterans have shown unmatched dedication to public service,” said Secretary Shinseki.  “They offer leadership and technical skills that are in high demand, whether in the public or private workforce. Not only does this initiative present an opportunity for Veterans to serve their Nation once again, the Nation will benefit from the education and training Veterans received in the Armed Forces.  I am looking forward to working with Secretary Solis and Director Berry to achieve the objectives of this initiative across the federal government.”

“Veterans are an important part of our nation’s past, present and future.  They deserve our full support as they reintegrate into the civilian workforce,” said Secretary Solis, “In signing this Executive Order, President Obama underscores his Administration’s commitment to our military men and women, and keeps us squarely on the path to achieving the goal of good jobs for everyone.”

“President Obama strongly believes in honoring the service of our veterans and he sees this initiative as an opportunity to put some real muscle behind that promise,” said Director Berry.  “The strong sense of patriotism and public service held by members of our armed forces doesn’t leave them when they exit from active duty.  It benefits our government to seize this opportunity to utilize their skills and dedication to service.  The Veterans Employment Initiative will help our federal agencies identify qualified veterans, clarify the hiring process for veterans seeking employment with the federal government, and help our veterans adjust to civilian life once they are hired.”

The Order also establishes a Veterans Employment Program office within most federal agencies.  These offices will be responsible for helping veterans identify employment opportunities within those federal agencies, providing feedback to veterans about their employment application status, and helping veterans recently employed by these agencies adjust to civilian life and a workplace culture often different than military service.

In addition, the Office of Personnel Management will issue a government-wide strategic plan that will focus on creating leadership commitment and an infrastructure in each agency to promote continued skills development and employment success for veterans.  The strategic plan will also include marketing strategies aimed at agency hiring managers as well as veterans and transitioning service members.

“This Executive Order reflects the shared commitment across the Obama administration to hiring American veterans,” said Secretary Napolitano. “Veterans play a vital role in the Department of Homeland Security’s mission to protect the nation, which is why we have pledged to grow our veteran workforce to more than 50,000 Department-wide by 2012.”

At the end of Fiscal Year 2008, there were approximately 480,000 veterans working within the federal government.

For more information, visit: www.fedshirevets.gov
 

Weekly Address: President Obama Extends Condolences to the Fort Hood Community

WASHINGTON – In this week’s address, President Barack Obama expressed his sadness for the tragedy at Fort Hood and praised the selfless valor of those who came to the aid of the wounded. While we mourn the heartbreaking violence, we should honor the heroism of the soldiers and civilians who rushed to help their comrades. That is the heroism which makes the U.S. military the finest in the world. 

The audio and video will be available at 6:00am Saturday, November 7, 2009 at www.whitehouse.gov.

Remarks of President Barack Obama
As Prepared for Delivery
Weekly Address
Saturday, November 7, 2009

I’d like to speak with you for a few minutes today about the tragedy that took place at Ft. Hood. This past Thursday, on a clear Texas afternoon, an Army psychiatrist walked into the Soldier Readiness Processing Center, and began shooting his fellow soldiers.

It is an act of violence that would have been heartbreaking had it occurred anyplace in America. It is a crime that would have horrified us had its victims been Americans of any background. But it’s all the more heartbreaking and all the more despicable because of the place where it occurred and the patriots who were its victims.

The SRP is where our men and women in uniform go before getting deployed. It’s where they get their teeth checked and their medical records updated and make sure everything is in order before getting shipped out. It was in this place, on a base where our soldiers ought to feel most safe, where those brave Americans who are preparing to risk their lives in defense of our nation, lost their lives in a crime against our nation.

Soldiers stationed in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the world called and emailed loved ones at Ft. Hood, all expressing the same stunned reaction: I’m supposed to be the one in harm’s way, not you.

Thursday’s shooting was one of the most devastating ever committed on an American military base. And yet, even as we saw the worst of human nature on full display, we also saw the best of America. We saw soldiers and civilians alike rushing to aid fallen comrades; tearing off bullet-riddled clothes to treat the injured; using blouses as tourniquets; taking down the shooter even as they bore wounds themselves.

We saw soldiers bringing to bear on our own soil the skills they had been trained to use abroad; skills that been honed through years of determined effort for one purpose and one purpose only: to protect and defend the United States of America.

We saw the valor, selflessness, and unity of purpose that make our servicemen and women the finest fighting force on Earth; that make the United States military the best the world has ever known; and that make all of us proud to be Americans.

On Friday, I met with FBI Director Mueller, Defense Secretary Gates, and representatives of the relevant agencies to discuss their ongoing investigation into what led to this terrible crime. And I’ll continue to be in close contact with them as new information comes in.

We cannot fully know what leads a man to do such a thing. But what we do know is that our thoughts are with every single one of the men and women who were injured at Ft. Hood. Our thoughts are with all the families who’ve lost a loved one in this national tragedy. And our thoughts are with all the Americans who wear – or who’ve worn – the proud uniform of the United States of America; our soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and coast guardsmen, and the military families who love and support them.

In tribute to those who fell at Ft. Hood, I’ve ordered flags flying over the White House, and other federal buildings to be lowered to half-staff from now until Veterans Day next Wednesday. Veterans Day is our chance to honor those Americans who’ve served on battlefields from Lexington to Antietam, Normandy to Manila, Inchon to Khe Sanh, Ramadi to Kandahar.

They are Americans of every race, faith, and station. They are Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus and nonbelievers. They are descendents of immigrants and immigrants themselves. They reflect the diversity that makes this America. But what they share is a patriotism like no other. What they share is a commitment to country that has been tested and proved worthy. What they share is the same unflinching courage, unblinking compassion, and uncommon camaraderie that the soldiers and civilians of Ft. Hood showed America and showed the world.

These are the men and women we honor today. These are the men and women we’ll honor on Veterans Day. And these are the men and women we shall honor every day, in times of war and times of peace, so long as our nation endures.

Essay by Dr. Jill Biden in USA Weekend Magazine

The following essay penned by Dr. Jill Biden will be featured in the November 6-8th issue of USA Weekend Magazine and is available HERE:

A Veteran’s Day Message
By Jill Biden

I will never forget my son Beau’s deployment ceremony on Oct. 3, 2008, in Dover, Del. As I stood in the audience watching him, a general’s wife quietly slipped a prayer into my hand.
The prayer has stuck with me every day since:

“Dear God, I pray to give all of our soldiers the courage and strength to do the duty that is required of them. May they always remember our appreciation for the sacrifice they are making for us. We are thankful for the men and women who are willing to risk their lives to protect our freedom. I ask you to go with each one of them and protect them wherever they go. Amen.”

The power of such words can be comforting.  I can be anywhere during the course of my day — writing on the chalkboard in my classroom, preparing a meal, walking into a meeting — and I just stop, close my eyes and say a quick prayer for those serving us. I have been overcome with gratitude in the past year when neighbors and people I don’t even know have approached me to say, “I am praying for your son’s safe return.”

Other sources of comfort helped Beau remain connected to the family. As nana to Beau’s 5-year-old daughter, Natalie, and his 3-year-old son, Hunter, I helped make sure he received soccer game photos, notes and artwork from his kids. Joe and I stuffed a Christmas stocking for Beau last December with candy, playing cards and notes saying how much we missed him. I baked Beau his favorite brownies and sent them along with new running gear on his birthday.

On election night, as our family gathered in a Chicago hotel room, we connected with Beau online so he could share the excitement. When the moment came and we knew we had won, my son Hunter set up the computer outside so Beau could watch our family walk onstage. The moment remains bittersweet, having Beau connected with us to share the moment, but not being there physically. 

It helps that families such as ours realize we’re never alone, as I’ve seen this year how powerful the support of the community can be: A local restaurant provides pizzas at a welcome-home event; a minor league baseball team, the Wilmington Blue Rocks, dedicates a game night in support of our troops; one of our schools adopts a military unit. Then, there’s an organization I’ve worked with in the past few years called Delaware Boots on the Ground. It started as a group of military moms and spouses who came together to support our Delaware National Guard members and their families. “Boots” now performs simple acts of service for deployed soldiers and their families, like supporting summer camps for children who have a deployed parent. There are so many ways that each American can lend a hand and make a difference.
Beau came home safely just five weeks ago, after a year in Iraq. My family feels so blessed.

Joe and I plan to visit Arlington National Cemetery this Veterans Day and spend time with veterans and soldiers to show our thanks. On Veterans Day and every day, it’s our duty to show appreciation for their service and remember that each of us has the ability to make a difference in the life of a service member. Even though Beau’s deployment is complete, I still consider myself a member of the military family. I always will.