President Barack Obama greets an original Tuskegee Airman Oct. 19, 2011, at Langley Air Force Base, Va. The president visited Langley AFB to encourage the entire nation to stand up for veterans. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Antoinette Gibson)
by Tech. Sgt. Randy Redman
633rd Air Base Wing Public Affairs
10/26/2011 - LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (AFNS) -- President Barack Obama made an official visit here Oct. 19 to speak to service members and invited guests to show his support for the American military, and address how he hopes to put more money in the pockets of working men and women.
The visit was on the third day of Obama's American Jobs Act bus tour, and he spoke to thousands of Langley AFB members gathered in the 94th Fighter Squadron's hangar. The president's comments focused on the amazing abilities American veterans have to offer the civilian workforce.
"We are grateful for our veterans who are here ... and honored to be joined by several of the legendary Tuskeegee Airmen," Obama said. He also recognized several key members of the base leadership, and welcomed many local industry leaders who have committed to hiring veterans. Obama hopes to create roughly 25,000 jobs for veterans and their spouses over the next two years.
"Over the past decade, nearly 3 million service members like many of you, our 9/11 generation of veterans, have made the transition back to civilian life. They've taken their leadership experience, their mastery of cutting-edge technology, their ability to adapt to changing circumstances and they've become leaders here at home. They've become leaders in businesses all over the country," Obama said. "Just think about how many veterans have led their comrades on a mission by the time they were 25. That's the kind of responsibility every business in America should want to take advantage of."
First lady Michelle Obama arrived here to meet her husband and took the opportunity to address the roughly 2,400 people gathered at the 94th FS. She has chosen to support the families of service members as one of the pillars of her service as first lady. She said America's military and their families have inspired her not to just so sit back in awe, but to take action on their behalf.
"We want America to know that veterans have the initiative to finish missions with enough variables to make your head spin," she said. "To all of the veterans and spouses here today, we are just so proud of you."
The president said standing up for veterans isn't just a Democratic or Republican responsibility, it's an American responsibility.
"We are facing tough times in America, but we have faced tough times before, and no one is tougher than the men and women in the United States military," Obama said.
Col. Kory Auch, the 633rd Air Base Wing commander, said Langley AFB was pleased to welcome the president.
"It's great to have the president here to show his support of the men and women serving their nation," Auch said. "It's also a good morale boost to see the support of the first lady, as well as the public, while we are actively engaged throughout the world."
