LEGISLATIVE UPDATES AND NEWS
State of the Union
The President delivered his State of the Union speech on Tuesday evening. The majority of his comments centered on economic and policy issues he believes Congress should work on during the coming year. It was nice however, to hear all of the praise for our brave men and women at the beginning and end of his speech. “The generation serving in the military today has made the United States safer and more respected around the world,” the president said. “All American troops are out of Iraq, Osama bin Laden is dead and al-Qaeda is on the run. In Afghanistan, U.S., NATO and Afghan forces have reversed the Taliban’s momentum and some U.S. troops are coming home. These achievements are a testament to the courage, selflessness and teamwork of America‘s Armed Forces,” he said. “At a time when too many of our institutions have let us down, they exceed all expectations. They’re not consumed with personal ambition. They don’t obsess over their differences. They focus on the mission at hand. They work together.”
Elsewhere in his speech, the President stressed the importance of caring for veterans. “Our freedom endures because of the men and women in uniform who defend it. As they come home, we must serve them as well as they served us. That includes giving them the care and benefits they have earned.” He highlighted recently-approved tax credits to companies that hire vets and proposed a Veterans Job Corps to help our communities hire veterans as cops and firefighters.
The President concluded by again suggesting elected officials in Washingtoncould learn from the service of military personnel. “As long as we’re joined in common purpose, as long as we maintain our common resolve, our journey moves forward, our future is hopeful, and the state of our union will always be strong.”
The Divisions 3/4/5 Convention Planning Committee has assembled a great package for the 1st Joint 3/4/5 Divisions Convention. The management and staff of the Holiday Inn Express have been very cooperative and helpful in assisting us to come up with a fine package that includes reasonable room rates and meal costs. The resort is located just west of Historic Savannah, Georgia.
