But the president admitted there are still challenges following the 2014 scandal involving extended wait times and lack of access to healthcare at Veteran’s Affairs facilities across the country.
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“To all our veterans here today, to veterans across America – whether you served on beaches of Europe, the jungles of Asia, the deserts of the Middle East; whether you served here at home or overseas in wartime or in peace – you are part of an unbroken chain of patriots who have served this country with honor”, Obama said.
Armistice Day became an official US holiday in 1938, and remained so until 1954, when it was renamed Veterans Day in the aftermath of both World War II and the Korean War. The monument of a soldier on his knee was dedicated this past weekend. “It means being together with other veterans celebrating being a veteran”, said veteran Robert Rivera.
The report included a web of complications with the VA’s management of health care enrollment data, including a lack of procedures to oversee records, software glitches within the records system and inconsistency in identifying veterans who have died.
Obama will also support a bill that would limit for-profit colleges’ access to GI Bill benefits, which are often used by veterans to attend college when they return. “If you’re a nonprofit that needs leaders who have been tested and can follow through on a vision hire a veteran”.
Obama’s message also comes with a few positive news about his mission to end veteran homelessness.
Coinciding with Veteran’s Day, Obama will urge Congress to reform legislation that provides health care, disability and education benefits to veterans.
The President said he is not satisfied and will keep investing to make sure our veterans get what they need.
Six months ago, appearing at Arlington to mark Memorial Day, Obama touted the end of an era – the first Memorial Day in 14 years in which the United States was “not engaged in a major ground war”.
Veteran unemployment is 3.9 percent – even lower than the national average, which is 5 percent. He asked communities and businesses to consider hiring veterans. “Our veterans will tell you themselves, they may have put away their uniforms, but they’re not finished serving their country”.
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Veterans with the VFW Post 7654 of Ashland, Pa., Joseph Ladick, left, Daniel Tiley, center, and Kevin Blank, demonstrate the traditional flag-folding procedure in honor of Veterans Day during the church service at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Ashland, Pa., on November 8, 2015.
