The efforts of many for the benefit of the families of the greatest Americans serving this Nation were announced today by President Obama, Mrs. Obama, and Dr. Biden in the unveiling of the Presidential Study Directive on Strengthening Our Military Families. The Directive calls for a government wide movement to improve services for our military families, Veterans, and family members of the fallen. Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Eric K. Shinseki with Mrs. Shinseki were in attendance, as well as Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, Dr. Clifford Stanley in witnessing this historic moment with many other federal officials. Members of Congress, and military family advocates such as
Gold Star Mothers and
Blue Star Families were also in attendance.
President Obama highlighted military spouses like Sandra Norris. The President stated that "People like Sandra Norris, the wife of Colonel John Norris, who I met when I traveled to Iraq last summer. Sandra has volunteered thousands of hours of her time and expertise over the past 20 years –- leading family readiness groups and supporting other military families as an advisor and a friend -- all while raising two sons and coping with John’s 42 months in combat."
Read the Presidents full remarks here.
I was honored to lend a small hand in this effort and to be in attendance at this special event with collegues from nearly every Federal Agency, and the military families study directive task force, led by COL Mike Harasimowicz from the National Security Council.
See the additional details about the Presidential Study Directive at
DoD Live Blog by
Robert L. Gordon, III, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Military Community and Family Policy).
Read the White House
press release.
Check back here for updates on Mr. John R. Campbell, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Wounded Warrior Care and Transition Assistance Policy coming efforts with the Department of Interior to assist wounded warrior families. To read the full Presidential Study Directive on Stregthening Our Military Families, click the document in my picture !
[caption id="attachment_434" align="aligncenter" width="178" caption="Koby Langley, Special Adviser for Strategic Planning, Department of Defense"]
UPDATE:
The First Lady, Michelle Obama, appeared on Oprah, to discuss the national commitment to military families, and honor the "Bravest Families in America."