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  • [applause]

  • Mrs. Obama: Thank you.

  • [applause]

  • Thank you so much.

  • Thank you all; thank you.

  • Good afternoon, everyone.

  • It's so good to be here.

  • [applause]

  • We are so proud of you all.

  • Thank you all.

  • Please, I know you've been working hard,

  • so rest yourselves.

  • [laughter]

  • I am beyond thrilled to be here with all of you today,

  • and I want to start by thanking Larry

  • for that very kind introduction,

  • but more importantly for his tremendous leadership

  • of the DAV and for all of his outstanding service

  • to this country.

  • But most of all, I want to thank all of you here today --

  • the men and women who have served and sacrificed so greatly

  • on behalf of all Americans.

  • Truly, one of my greatest joys over these past few years

  • has been spending time with veterans

  • and military families like all of you.

  • I have laughed with your children at barbeques.

  • I've gone to baby showers with spouses.

  • I've learned so much during my many visits to military bases

  • across this country.

  • I've even smashed a champagne bottle

  • to christen a Coast Guard cutter.

  • [laughter]

  • And let me tell you, day after day,

  • I have been so inspired by your stories -- so inspired.

  • And I'm reminded of one of those stories today,

  • the story of a young man I met at Walter Reed.

  • His name is Sergeant Winder Perez, and he is 24 years old.

  • Now, a year and a half ago,

  • Sergeant Perez was on a combat mission in Afghanistan,

  • when he was hit by an RPG.

  • He collapsed, but the grenade stayed lodged in his left thigh

  • and it didn't go off.

  • Sergeant Perez's fellow Marines ran to his aid and together

  • they chose to carry him off the battlefield to safety,

  • even though they knew that any wrong move

  • would mean certain disaster.

  • Moments later, four pilots and medics chose to load him

  • onto a helicopter with the live explosive still in his leg,

  • transporting him 65 miles to the nearest medical station.

  • And finally, when they arrived, a nurse and explosive expert

  • chose to rush to his aid, finally dislodging the rocket

  • by hand and giving doctors a chance to save his leg --

  • which they did.

  • Now, just that part of Sergeant Perez's story tells you

  • everything you need to know about the men and women

  • of our armed forces.

  • But as all of you know very well,

  • stories like these don't end in the combat zone.

  • Since his injury, Sergeant Perez

  • has endured 30 or 31 surgeries --

  • he doesn't remember the exact number.

  • He has survived a heart attack and an aneurysm,

  • and he's fought through hundreds of hours

  • of rigorous physical therapy to strengthen his leg.

  • And time and again,

  • just when he's regained the strength to walk,

  • his doctors have told him that it's time for another surgery,

  • and then Sergeant Perez is back in a wheelchair,

  • starting all over again from square one.

  • But here is the thing:

  • You don't hear about any of that when you talk to Sergeant Perez.

  • What you do hear about is his mother,

  • who he will tell you has stayed by his side every single day.

  • You will hear about his gratitude

  • to those who saved his life,

  • to the family and friends who come from New York to visit,

  • and for the life he has in front of him.

  • Today, Sergeant Perez is walking again.

  • He's three months into an internship

  • with the Defense Intelligence Agency,

  • and he plans to spend the rest of his career

  • serving his country.

  • And when asked about everything he's been through,

  • Sergeant Perez puts it all in perspective by simply saying,

  • "I just think you've got to get back up."

  • That's all he said.

  • "You've got to get back up."

  • And as I look across this room, I see a group of people

  • who know how to get back up.

  • No matter what you've been through --

  • [applause]

  • -- no matter what the struggles you have faced,

  • you all get back up.

  • And that is what inspires me.

  • That's why, every day, I work to push myself harder

  • to live up to your example.

  • And that's why Jill Biden and I are working so hard

  • on Joining Forces,

  • because we want to honor and serve you and your families --

  • to make sure that you and your families have

  • the educational opportunities you need,

  • the support you've earned and the good jobs you deserve.

  • And if there is one thing that I want all of you to know today,

  • it's this: You will never have to get back up all on your own.

  • Not while we're here, never.

  • [applause]

  • And it's not just us.

  • You have got families who support you day and night.

  • You have countless neighbors and pastors,

  • business owners -- I've met them --

  • even strangers who will snap into action for you.

  • And one important person you have is a Commander-in-Chief

  • who doesn't simply understand your service and your sacrifice.

  • [applause]

  • Let me tell you something about this man,

  • he carries your stories with him every single day.

  • I have seen it in his eyes when he comes home from a visit

  • to a military hospital.

  • I've noticed the extra energy he gets

  • after a military commencement.

  • And I've heard the emotion in his voice after he talks

  • with the families of our fallen.

  • That is the well he draws from as Commander-in-Chief.

  • You are that well.

  • And that's why he has stood up for you

  • again and again and again,

  • and it's why he's going to keep fighting

  • for you and your families every single day.

  • So ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my husband,

  • our President Barack Obama.

  • [applause]

  • ♪ ("Hail to the Chief" plays) ♪

  • The President: Hello, DAV.

  • Thank you so much.

  • Thank you.

  • Everybody, please have a seat.

  • Do we have an extraordinary First Lady?

  • [applause]

  • We will be celebrating our 21st anniversary in October.

  • The first time I saw her,

  • I knew she was something special.

  • [laughter]

  • She was a little more skeptical about me.

  • [laughter]

  • But persistence is the key.

  • You just got to stay on it.

  • Eventually, you can marry up.

  • [laughter]

  • To Michelle and Jill Biden and Joining Forces,

  • we are so proud of the work you've done

  • to help rally America around military families and veterans.

  • I'm inspired by what they are doing.

  • So thank you, Michelle, for your extraordinary work.

  • DAV, I was proud to join at your convention three years ago.

  • [applause]

  • It is wonderful to be back.

  • I want to thank your national commander, Larry Polzin.

  • Thank you so much to the entire leadership team --

  • Joe Johnston, Marc Burgess, Donna Adams,

  • all the incredible spouses and families of the DAV Auxiliary.

  • I want to thank Barry Jesinoski.

  • [laughter]

  • I got it.

  • [laughter]

  • They used to mispronounce Obama too.

  • [laughter]

  • I want to thank Barry and your great team in Washington.

  • Disabled American Veterans, like all veterans,

  • you carry in your hearts the story of brave service

  • that took you to every corner of the Earth.

  • As young men and women, you left home,

  • left everything and everyone you ever knew

  • because storm clouds gathered far across the sea.

  • You had your whole lives ahead of you,

  • but you were willing to risk all of it

  • for this land that we love.

  • Because you know, from hard experience,

  • what we must never forget --

  • our country endures because in every generation

  • there are Americans like you who stand beside her

  • and guide her and protect her.

  • You fought across the Pacific, island by island.

  • You fought into the heart of Europe, mile by mile,

  • freeing millions from fascism.

  • That's your legacy as veterans of the Second World War.

  • You held the line at the Pusan Perimeter

  • and survived the bitter cold of the Chosin Reservoir.

  • And on this 60th anniversary of the end of that war,

  • we salute all of our veterans of the Korean War.

  • [applause]

  • To our Vietnam veterans --

  • [applause]

  • -- you served with valor not just in the thick of the jungle,

  • but through intense urban combat.

  • And let it be remembered that you won every major battle

  • that you fought in.

  • [applause]

  • And so in the decades since,

  • whenever our country has needed you,

  • you said "send me" --

  • from the sands of Desert Storm to the mountains of the Balkans

  • to the villages of Afghanistan and Iraq --

  • and next year, your profound sacrifice will be recognized

  • in the heart of our nation's capital when our country

  • dedicates the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial.

  • [applause]

  • That memorial will honor your courage in war.

  • But it will also pay tribute to your bravery

  • in the other battle you have fought --

  • the fight to recover from the wounds of war.

  • And this may be your greatest triumph of all.

  • Because rather than being defined by what you lost,

  • by what you can't do, you've inspired America

  • with what you can do.

  • Maybe you lost your sight, but you can still see the truth

  • that our disabled veterans make extraordinary contributions

  • to our country every single day.

  • Maybe you lost an arm,

  • but you still have the strength

  • to pick up a friend or neighbor in need.

  • Maybe you lost a leg, but you still stand tall for the values

  • and freedoms that make America the greatest nation on Earth.

  • [applause]

  • I think of the wounded warrior who spoke for so many of you

  • when he said, "Your life will never be the same,

  • but that doesn't mean you can't go on to do amazing things

  • with the second chance you were given."

  • I think of wounded warriors across America

  • and how they've used that second chance --

  • volunteering in communities,

  • building homes, being a mentor to local kids,

  • showing up after tornadoes, after Hurricane Sandy

  • to help folks rebuild.

  • I think of the wounded warriors who reached out to the survivors

  • of the Boston Marathon bombing with the example of their own

  • recovery and with a simple message -- "We stand with you."

  • I think of all the inspiring wounded warriors

  • that Michelle and I have met --

  • their resilience, their resolve,

  • their determination to push through and to carry on.

  • That's the fighting spirit of our wounded warriors.

  • That's the spirit of DAV --

  • [applause]

  • -- dedicated not just to your own recovery,

  • but to taking care of each other.

  • Every day you work to ensure that America is fulfilling

  • its promises to our men and women who have served.

  • That's your mission.

  • And I want you to know it is my mission, too.

  • I believe that this work is more important than ever,

  • because this time of war that we've been in

  • is coming to an end.

  • [applause]

  • For nearly 12 years -- ever since we were attacked

  • on that clear September morning --

  • our nation has been at war.

  • Our fight in Afghanistan is now America's longest war.

  • At the same time, our troops fought courageously in Iraq

  • for nine long years.

  • And among us today are proud veterans of the wars

  • in Afghanistan and Iraq.

  • Now, we've marked another milestone in Afghanistan.

  • As of this past June, Afghan forces have taken the lead

  • for security across their entire country.

  • Instead of leading the fight, our troops now have

  • a different mission -- supporting Afghan forces.

  • Our war in Afghanistan has entered the final chapter.

  • More of our troops are coming home.

  • This winter, we'll be down to 34,000.

  • By the end of next year, the transition will be complete --

  • Afghans will take full responsibility for their

  • security and our war in Afghanistan will be over.

  • [applause]

  • For this progress, we thank all who have served in Afghanistan,

  • including DAV members here today -- just a few I want to mention.

  • We salute folks like Timothy Duke.

  • Where's Timothy?

  • Right here --

  • [applause]

  • -- in the early days of the war, Timothy's helicopter unit served

  • in some of the most remote parts of Afghanistan.

  • On another tour, in Iraq, his convoy was hit by an IED.

  • He endured three spinal surgeries.

  • Then he went to school on the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

  • Today he is helping at the DAV, helping veterans

  • and their families access their benefits.

  • That's the kind of spirit the DAV represents.

  • Thank you, Timothy, for your outstanding service and work.

  • [applause]

  • We salute Staff Sergeant Jacare Hogan.

  • [applause]

  • Where's Jacare?

  • In Iraq, she was hit by IEDs three times.

  • She's endured surgeries, rehab -- which continue to this day --

  • but she refused to stop serving.

  • She deployed again to Afghanistan.

  • As a logistics specialist,

  • she served at forward operating bases --

  • keeping them running, flying between bases,

  • getting shot at along the way.

  • At those remote outposts,

  • she was often the only woman on base.

  • She proudly wears the Combat Action Badge.

  • [applause]

  • But her service hasn't stopped.

  • So here at DAV, she counsels others as they recover.

  • "Helping [the] troops is what I'm about."

  • That's what she says.

  • And we are grateful to you, Jacare,

  • for your extraordinary service.

  • [applause]

  • And we salute Jason Hassinger.

  • Where is Jason?

  • [applause]

  • Right here -- when Jason's unit was ambushed and pinned down,

  • he was hit five times in the chest.

  • But he pushed on, helped lead his men to safety for which

  • he earned the Silver Star.

  • [applause]

  • After months of care and rehab he returned to his unit --

  • going out on patrol, gritting his teeth

  • through the pain in his chest.

  • And today, at DAV, Jason helps his fellow vets

  • access the benefits that they have earned.

  • It is "my job" to "help people heal."

  • That's what Jason says.

  • Thank you.

  • [applause]

  • So Timothy, Jacare, Jason -- they're just examples of all

  • who've served in these years of war -- the 9/11 Generation.

  • And now, you're beginning the next chapter in your lives

  • wearing a proud new title --

  • veteran of the United States Armed Forces.

  • So this time of war may be coming to an end,

  • but the job of caring for our veterans goes on and our work

  • caring for our newest veterans has only just begun.

  • Think about it -- we lost the last veteran

  • of the First World War two years ago,

  • but we still care for the children

  • of our World War I veterans.

  • To this day, we still help care for children of men who fought

  • in the Spanish-American War,

  • even the daughter of a Civil War veteran.

  • [applause]

  • So when we talk about fulfilling our promises to all who serve,

  • we're not just talking about a few years,

  • we're talking about decades --

  • for as long as you and your families walk this Earth.

  • With a new generation joining your ranks,

  • I believe that now is the time to make sure our nation

  • is truly ready -- organized and structured to get this right

  • not just for this year, not just for next year,

  • but for decades to come not just for the veterans

  • of today's wars, but for all wars.

  • And I believe we need to focus on five key priorities.

  • Number one, we need to make sure we've got the resources,

  • the budgets our veterans deserve.

  • [applause]

  • Since I took office,

  • we've made historic investments in our veterans.

  • Even in these tough fiscal times,

  • we've boosted the VA budget by more than 40 percent.

  • We now budget for veterans' health care a year in advance.

  • [applause]

  • And I've proposed a further increase in veterans funding

  • for next year.

  • [applause]

  • Now, some of you may be aware right now we've got these

  • reckless, across-the-board budget cuts called the sequester

  • that's hitting a lot of folks hard.

  • And it's cost jobs.

  • It's hurting our military, slashing investments

  • in education and science and medical research.

  • I made it clear that your veteran's benefits are exempt

  • from this year's sequester.

  • I've made that clear.

  • [applause]

  • But I want to tell you going forward the best way to protect

  • the VA care you have earned is to get rid

  • of this sequester altogether.

  • [applause]

  • Congress needs to come together and agree on a responsible plan

  • that reduces our deficit and keeps our promises

  • to our veterans and keeps our promises to future generations.

  • That's what I'm fighting for.

  • That's what you deserve.

  • [applause]

  • Number two, we need to make sure you're getting the veterans'

  • health care you've been promised.

  • We're already making record investments -- more outreach,

  • more clinics, more service.

  • For our Vietnam vets, we made sure that you and your families

  • finally got the disability pay you deserved

  • because of your exposure to Agent Orange.

  • [applause]

  • For our Desert Storm veterans, we made it easier for you to get

  • the care you need for illnesses connected to your service.

  • [applause]

  • For our veterans with PTSD, we've made it easier

  • for you to get the VA care you need as well,

  • regardless of the war that you served in.

  • [applause]

  • For our women veterans --

  • and there are more of you than ever --

  • we're offering more tailored care,

  • more clinics just for women, more clinicians trained

  • to treat you with respect and dignity.

  • [applause]

  • So all told, we've made VA health care available

  • to more than 2 million veterans who didn't have it before.

  • [applause]

  • I've proposed more funding for prosthetics for

  • our disabled vets, to help you work and walk and run again.

  • And for you -- the caregivers and families -- we're going to

  • keep empowering you with the skills and support you need

  • as you care for the veterans that you love.

  • [applause]

  • We also need to keep improving mental health services,

  • because we've got to end this epidemic of suicide

  • among our veterans and troops.

  • [applause]

  • Last year, I said this had to be an all-hands-on-deck approach --

  • not just at DOD and the VA, but across our government.

  • I issued an executive order to step up our game,

  • and we have: hiring more counselors,

  • hiring more mental health providers,

  • new awareness campaigns so that those who are hurting know that

  • asking for help is not a sign of weakness;

  • it's a part of staying strong.

  • It's a part of getting back up.

  • [applause]

  • Hundreds of medical and nursing schools have committed to

  • improving research and care for our veterans and their families.

  • And I've proposed more funding for mental health.

  • We can't just promise better care,

  • we've actually got to deliver better care.

  • So today I'm proud to announce the next step in this fight.

  • We're unveiling a new national action plan

  • to guide mental health research across government,

  • industry and academia, so that we're going to focus

  • on developing more effective ways to prevent,

  • diagnose and treat mental health conditions like TBI and PTSD.

  • And to get it done, we're moving ahead with

  • more than $100 million in new research.

  • [applause]

  • So I'm not going to be satisfied until every veteran

  • and every man and woman in uniform gets the support

  • and the help they need to stay strong.

  • [applause]

  • Now, on the subject of veteran's health care,

  • you may have noticed there's still a lot of misinformation

  • out there about the new health care law -- Affordable Care Act.

  • Some folks are out there trying to scare people,

  • including veterans.

  • So let me say this as plainly as I can.

  • If you already have health insurance,

  • or health care from the VA, you do not have to do a thing;

  • your VA health care does not change, it is safe;

  • there are no new fees.

  • Don't let them hoodwink you.

  • [applause]

  • But the good news is if you're among one of the more

  • than 1 million veterans who don't have health insurance,

  • starting October 1st, you'll have a new option.

  • Online marketplaces will let you shop and compare

  • and buy private health insurance plans,

  • just like you can go online to compare prices

  • when you buy a TV, or airplane ticket or a car.

  • And because of the Affordable Care Act,

  • insurance companies will no longer be able to discriminate

  • against you or deny you coverage

  • because of preexisting conditions -- like PTSD.

  • [applause]

  • So you'll have more security in being able

  • to get health insurance.

  • So don't let them fool you.

  • No one is taking away your benefits.

  • Your veterans' health care is safe.

  • We're not reducing veterans' access to health care,

  • we're expanding it.

  • That's the truth.

  • [applause]

  • And that leads me to the third priority we've got to focus on.

  • We've got to attack this claims backlog.

  • [applause]

  • Now, the last time I was with you,

  • I pledged to cut the backlog, slash those wait times,

  • deliver your benefits sooner.

  • And I'm going to be honest with you,

  • it has not moved as fast as I wanted.

  • Part of it is all these new veterans in the system

  • who came in -- Agent Orange, PTSD.

  • It means a lot more claims, and despite additional resources,

  • it's resulted in longer waits.

  • And that's been unacceptable -- unacceptable to me,

  • unacceptable to Secretary Shinseki.

  • So we put more of our VA folks to work as claims processors,

  • we hired more claims processors as well.

  • We've got them working overtime --

  • completing more than a million claims a year.

  • We prioritized the oldest claims.

  • Veterans groups like the DAV have pitched in as well,

  • helping vets with their claims, getting them ready,

  • so when they bring them, they're in better shape

  • and they can move a little quicker.

  • And today, I can report that we are not where we need to be,

  • but we're making progress.

  • We are making progress.

  • [applause]

  • So after years when the backlog kept growing,

  • finally the backlog is shrinking.

  • In the last five months alone, it's down nearly 20 percent.

  • We're turning the tide.

  • And we're not going to let up until we eliminate the backlog

  • once and for all.

  • And we'll keep moving ahead with paperless systems so the backlog

  • doesn't come back, and so your claims are processed right --

  • the first time, on time.

  • [applause]

  • After years of military service, you shouldn't have to wait

  • for years for the benefits you have earned.

  • Fourth, just like you fought to defend our rights and freedoms,

  • we need to uphold the dignity and rights of every veteran.

  • And that starts by keeping up our campaign

  • to end homelessness among veterans.

  • [applause]

  • We're not just bringing our veterans off the streets,

  • we're doing more to reach at-risk and low-income vets,

  • so they don't become homeless in the first place.

  • And we're not going to rest until every veteran

  • who has fought for America has a home in America.

  • [applause]

  • Yesterday, I was proud to sign into law

  • the Helping Heroes Fly Act --

  • to end those intrusive airport screenings so you,

  • our wounded warriors and disabled vets,

  • especially those of you with prosthetics,

  • can travel with dignity.

  • And I know how disappointing it was last year

  • when the Senate failed to approve the Disabilities Treaty

  • despite the fact that we had a former senator

  • and World War II veteran, Bob Dole,

  • in the Senate chamber.

  • But we're going to keep fighting to ratify that Treaty,

  • because the United States has always been a leader

  • for the rights of the disabled.

  • We believe that disabled Americans like you deserve the

  • same opportunities to work and to study and to travel

  • in other countries as any other American.

  • It's the right thing to do.

  • We need to get it done.

  • [applause]

  • Which brings me to the final priority

  • we need to stay focused on,

  • and that's making sure that our veterans have

  • every opportunity to pursue the American Dream,

  • starting with the education and jobs worthy of your

  • extraordinary talents.

  • With our new transition assistance program we're doing

  • more to help departing service members and their spouses

  • plan their careers and find that new job.

  • We're going to keep helping our newest veterans and their

  • families pursue their education under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

  • We're building on the executive order I issued last year

  • to protect you as you go looking for schools.

  • I said we're going to stand up against dishonest recruiting

  • and predatory practices that target our veterans.

  • So we set new standards.

  • And so far, more than 6,000 schools across the country have

  • signed on and pledged to do right by you and your families.

  • We don't want our veterans cheated.

  • [applause]

  • I also said that schools need to step up their support

  • so we're doing more to help our veterans succeed on campus.

  • So today, we're announcing what we call "8 Keys to Success" --

  • specific steps that schools can take to truly welcome

  • and encourage our veterans.

  • And so far, more than 250 community colleges and

  • universities have signed on, and today I'm calling on schools

  • across America to join us in this effort.

  • Let's help our veterans get that degree,

  • get that credential and compete

  • for the high-skilled jobs of tomorrow.

  • [applause]

  • Now, I'm also going to make sure that the federal government

  • keeps doing its part.

  • I'm very proud of the fact that, since I took office,

  • federal departments and agencies have hired

  • nearly 300,000 veterans --

  • including many disabled veterans.

  • [applause]

  • And I'm going to keep calling on Congress

  • to pass the Veterans Jobs Corps,

  • to put our veterans to work protecting

  • and rebuilding America.

  • And we're also doing everything we can to help you

  • get those private sector jobs.

  • More help with job searches.

  • More tools like our online jobs bank to connect veterans

  • to jobs that are open right now.

  • Making it easier for you to transfer your skills

  • to the licenses and credentials you need for civilian jobs.

  • And because tens of thousands of our veterans

  • have already been helped,

  • Congress needs to make permanent tax credits

  • for companies that hire our veterans and wounded warriors.

  • It's the right thing to do.

  • [applause]

  • And we're going to keep urging companies across America

  • to do the smart thing --

  • hire some of the best workers you'll ever find;

  • hire a vet.

  • Michelle and Jill have done great work on this.

  • And responding to our challenge, working with Joining Forces,

  • America's businesses have already

  • hired or trained 290,000 veterans and military spouses

  • and they've committed to hiring over 400,000 more.

  • More companies are signing up all the time.

  • We are going to get companies to understand that you can't

  • get a better deal than hiring a veteran.

  • [applause]

  • Because of all the efforts I've described,

  • and because of a growing economy,

  • veterans unemployment is going down,

  • more veterans are finding jobs, and we're going to keep at this.

  • Because with your skills and drive,

  • we don't just want you fighting for America overseas,

  • we want you to be right here, building a stronger America,

  • fighting for a better future for our kids.

  • So ensuring the resources and budgets you deserve,

  • delivering the health care that you've earned,

  • making sure you can count on it -- continuing to reduce

  • the backlog, standing up for your rights and dignity,

  • creating jobs and opportunity so you can realize your dreams --

  • that's what I'm focused on.

  • That's what I have told my entire administration

  • to be focused on.

  • That's what our country needs --

  • to stay focused for the many years to come.

  • And nobody knows this better than you, our disabled veterans.

  • The road of recovery is often such a long haul.

  • And America needs to be there for you during that long haul.

  • And that's the lesson of the extraordinary young man I told

  • you about when I spoke to you three years ago --

  • an Army Ranger, Sergeant First Class Cory Remsburg.

  • A massive IED in Afghanistan nearly killed him.

  • He was in a coma for months,

  • with severe traumatic brain injury.

  • And I told you then how, when I saw him in the hospital,

  • he had come out of the coma, but he still couldn't speak.

  • And when I asked how he was feeling,

  • he slowly brought his hand up and he pulled

  • his fingers together and he gave a thumbs up.

  • His mom was sitting there with him.

  • A few days ago, I saw Cory and his family again,

  • this time in Phoenix where they live.

  • So I wanted to give you an update on how he's doing.

  • I suspect it won't surprise you to know that for Cory,

  • the years since he was injured have been very hard --

  • brain surgeries, half dozen of them;

  • surgeries to replace part of his skull;

  • eye surgeries; special procedures on his lungs;

  • skin grafts and skin flaps --

  • all told, dozens of surgeries and procedures.

  • Rehab has been grueling.

  • On a typical day, Cory wakes up and spend hours in therapy --

  • physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy.

  • Progress has come slowly, but it has come.

  • He had to learn the simple things all over again --

  • how to speak, how to write his name, how to throw a ball.

  • And this past spring, he reached another milestone.

  • After years in the hospital and rehab facilities,

  • he finally came home greeted by hundreds of neighbors

  • and friends waving American flags.

  • And so when I saw Cory a few days ago,

  • he is still blind in one eye.

  • He still struggles to move his left side.

  • But the young man I had seen in that hospital bed unable to

  • speak, barely able to move,

  • this time he was in a chair sitting up --

  • alert, smiling, talking.

  • And then, he wanted to show me something.

  • And he leaned out of his chair.

  • And he reached out and grabbed his walker.

  • And with the help of his parents,

  • he pulled himself forward and he stood up.

  • And he looked at me, and he gave me a sharp salute.

  • [applause]

  • He said, "Rangers Lead the Way."

  • [applause]

  • And his stepmom held one arm for balance and I held the other.

  • And then, Cory took a step -- then another,

  • and then another one after that all the way across the room.

  • Little by little, Cory is learning to walk again.

  • [applause]

  • And he's starting to get good on his recumbent bike.

  • He hopes to bike in a race this fall -- 42 miles.

  • He's scheduled to move into his own home adapted to his needs

  • with the help of a caregiver -- another step towards

  • the greater independence he seeks.

  • And so Cory says, "My recovery has not been easy.

  • Nothing in life that's worth anything is easy."

  • But he says, I don't "give up."

  • The war in Afghanistan may be ending,

  • but for Cory and our disabled vets,

  • the work has only just begun.

  • Cory is 30 years old.

  • His recovery -- like so many of yours -- will last a lifetime.

  • But he won't give up, because you haven't given up.

  • And when it comes to our work, to making sure that our nation

  • is fulfilling its promises

  • to the men and women who served and sacrificed,

  • America cannot give up either.

  • I will not give up.

  • We cannot give up.

  • So long as I'm the United States' President,

  • I will make it my mission to make sure that America

  • is right there beside you every step of the way,

  • every step with Cory,

  • every step with the DAV.

  • God bless you.

  • God bless our veterans.

  • God bless the United States of America.

  • [applause]

[applause]

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