Obama Addresses the Troops In Iraq

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Priority #9 for the Obama Administration - Repair the U.S. Military

Obama has to invest more in soldiers, families, veterans and must improve healthcare. A lot of people are waiting to see if he keeps the promises he made on this issue during the campaign. The military also should be restructured... There is too much dependence on National Guard and Reserve units (something Clinton implemented).

Of course one way to relieve the strain on the military is to have a completely different foreign policy approach to begin with.

I would also like to see the Obama Administration re-investigate the numerous suspicious death cases of soldiers overseas... But I know that isn't going to happen. The deaths of these soldiers are not priorities and never will be priorities for suits in Washington DC. I really don't think any of those people give a damn about individual cases.

But improving overall conditions will improve quality of life, reduce divorces (due to excessive deployments), reduce family violence, reduce suicides, improve the quality of housing and health services.

Top Military Officers Come Out In Support of Obama

Hillary Clinton rolled out her Generals last week in an attempt to bolster her National Security "credentials" and to bash Barack Obama, but Obama is now displaying military brass of his own. Hillary Clinton does not have a monopoly on the issues of National Security and Foreign Affairs.

The Admirals and Generals from the United States Army, Navy and Air Force have served under the last nine U.S. Presidents.

(And I see a few potential VP candidates in this group...but I doubt that they would want to go into politics).



From Earthtimes.org

Statements from the Commanders:
"Those of us who have served, worn the cloth of our nation, and gone into harm's way know that to be successful we must have the strongest sense of trust in our Commander in Chief. We must be confident that he or she has listened to the best possible advice, that he or she has garnered the best possible information from all possible sources, that he or she has analyzed and weighed all the possible consequences and outcomes, and that he or she has made the decision to exert military force as a last possible resort," said Admiral (Ret.) Robert Williamson (USN). "Of this I am certain: Senator Obama will do all of those things and much more to ensure the safety and freedom of our citizens, our allies, and coalition partners. He has all the great qualities and attributes required to carry out the most difficult duties of the Presidency".

Brigadier General Larry Gillespie
Major General Scott Gration (USAF-Ret)
Admiral Don Guter
Brigadier General David "Dave" McGinnis
General Merrill "Tony" McPeak
Admiral John B. Nathman
Major General Hugh Robinson
Brigadier General James Smith
Admiral Robert "Willie" Williamson (USN-Ret Rear Admiral)
Major General Ralph Wooten

More information


Comments from Obama:

As President, I will ask myself every day whether I am serving our troops and veterans as well as they have served America. That means only sending them into harm’s way when we absolutely must; providing them with a clear mission and the equipment they need to do the job; standing by them when they come home; and helping them live their dreams after they leave the service.

Like the men who have joined me on this stage today, my story is only possible in America. It is the story of my grandfather, who marched in Patton’s Army; and my father, who crossed the globe to be a part of the dream that my grandfather defended. An America that secures its people, and stands as a light of hope for the world.

That is the America that I will defend as Commander-in-Chief, drawing on the counsel of military commanders and the courage and conviction of the American people. An America where we meet the challenges of the 21st century with sound judgment, clear plans, and a common purpose.

After years of a divisive politics that uses national security as a wedge to drive us apart, how much longer do we have to wait to bring this country together to confront our common enemies?

After years of being told that Democrats have to talk, act and vote like John McCain to pass some Commander-in-Chief test, how many times do we have to learn that tough talk is not a substitute for sound judgment?

After years of a war in Iraq that should’ve never been authorized, how many more politicians will appeal to the American peoples’ fears instead of their hopes?

Wounded soldiers asked to return signing bonuses

Sometimes, you read stories, and you can literally feel your bloodpressure rising.

But, maybe, it's just me.

Wounded Soldier: Military Wants Part Of Bonus Back
Reporting Marty Griffin
PITTSBURGH (KDKA)


The U.S. Military is demanding that thousands of wounded service personnel give back signing bonuses because they are unable to serve out their commitments.

To get people to sign up, the military gives enlistment bonuses up to $30,000 in some cases.

Now men and women who have lost arms, legs, eyesight, hearing and can no longer serve are being ordered to pay some of that money back.

One of them is Jordan Fox, a young soldier from the South Hills.

He finds solace in the hundreds of boxes he loads onto a truck in Carnegie. In each box is a care package that will be sent to a man or woman serving in Iraq. It was in his name Operation Pittsburgh Pride was started.

Fox was seriously injured when a roadside bomb blew up his vehicle. He was knocked unconscious. His back was injured and lost all vision in his right eye.

A few months later Fox was sent home. His injuries prohibited him from fulfilling three months of his commitment. A few days ago, he received a letter from the military demanding nearly $3,000 of his signing bonus back.

"I tried to do my best and serve my country. I was unfortunately hurt in the process. Now they're telling me they want their money back," he explained.

It's a slap for Fox's mother, Susan Wardezak, who met with President Bush in Pittsburgh last May. He thanked her for starting Operation Pittsburgh Pride which has sent approximately 4,000 care packages.

He then sent her a letter expressing his concern over her son's injuries, so she cannot understand the U.S. Government's apparent lack of concern over injuries to countless U.S. Soldiers and demands that they return their bonuses.

While he's unsure of his future, Fox says he's unwavering in his commitment to his country.

"I'd do it all over again... because I'm proud of the discipline that I learned. I'm proud to have done something for my country," he said.

But Fox feels like he's already given enough. He'll never be able to pursue his dream of being a police officer because of his wounds and he can't believe he's being asked to return part of his $10,000 signing bonus.

KDKA contacted Congressman Jason Altmire on his behalf. He says he has proposed a bill that would guarantee soldiers receive full benefit of bonuses.

Article is found here.

Disgust can't begin to express what I'm feeling.

UPDATE: Watched Keith Olbermann tonight, and he said that the Military is saying that this was ' a mistake', and of course, they're not taking the bonus, and that they're doing to look in their files to see if this ' mistake' has been done to any other soldier.