President visits Elmendorf Airmen

  • Published
  • By Airman Jack Sanders
  • 3rd Wing Public Affairs
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska (AFNS) --  President Barack Obama visited Elmendorf Air Force Base and spoke to more than 1,500 servicemembers and civilians Nov. 12 here.

The president stopped at the base during his first visit to Alaska as is on his way to Japan, China, South Korea and Singapore on a multiday trip.

"Until today I had visited 49 states, so this is officially my 50th state," he said.

The crowd cheered and a crowd member screamed,"I love you." President Obama replied by saying, "I love you back."

The president spoke with servicemembers and civilians about their service and the important role they play in the defense of their country.

"I am here to say to all who serve and their families, thank you. As many privileges I get as the president of the United States I have no greater honor than serving as your commander in chief," he said. "You are keeping America's Pacific sky safe. You project power across the Pacific. The 3rd Wing, 11th Air Force, I salute you. You are faithful to a proud heritage, a tradition of honor and a legacy of valor." 

One of the president's main talking points during the speech was about the "sacred trust" the U.S. has with its servicemembers to take care of America and for America to do its part and take care of servicemembers and their families.

The president was frank about many issues facing servicemembers. He said spending defense dollars wisely and building the 21st century military is a priority. He also said he planned to increase the defense budget, military pay and child care benefits.

President Obama said he appreciates the sacrifices servicemembers make for their country and he wants to ensure that those sacrifices are not made needlessly.

"I will never hesitate to use force to protect America, but I won't risk your lives unless it is absolutely necessary," he said.