I just spoke with veterans and military family members in Fayetteville, North Carolina – home to Fort Bragg, the largest military base in the world, and the 82nd Airborne Division. When the American Embassy in Baghdad was attacked on Tuesday, the 82nd Airborne got the call. And now, following last night's events, more are on the way.
As I said in Fayetteville, without more information we can only hope that the president has carefully thought through the national security implications of this attack and the grave risks involved. But given his track record and his history of making reckless and impulsive decisions that undermine U.S. strategic objectives and weaken our allies, there is every reason to be deeply concerned. It is imperative that the administration now de-escalate this crisis to prevent wider conflicts and protect American lives, and prevent Iran from escaping domestic pressure to reform its political and economic systems.
As these events remind us, our country owes everyone who serves a debt of gratitude. As Americans, it is our duty to serve those who served for us. Right now, we’re failing them. And President Trump – despite his many promises – has done nothing to fix what’s broken, find solutions, or bring people together to help them.
We can do more. We must do more.
Today, I laid out my plan to help veterans succeed in the civilian workforce. Our veterans are among the most knowledgeable, well-trained people America has to offer, and it’s time for our nation to tap into their limitless potential.
As president, I will support veterans and their families by:
Helping them apply their unique and valuable skills in the workforce by connecting them to private-sector jobs, and helping companies to recognize their value, so both veterans and companies can benefit.
Supporting the transition into the civilian workforce through public-private partnerships and business opportunities that provide veterans with the resources and expertise to help them get a job or start a business.
Offering lifetime financial advisory services and guidance on how to manage their pension and plan for a secure retirement, ensuring veterans and their families have the financial security to thrive.
Our veterans have answered the call of duty time and again. Too many return home and feel marginalized and undervalued – or worse, forgotten altogether. Twenty veterans a day commit suicide, thousands have fallen prey to opioid addiction, and tens of thousands are homeless and living on the street – and that is one of our greatest failures as a nation.
These past few days have been a stark reminder of the responsibilities of the office. As president, I promise to ensure that our veterans have the resources and support they need to succeed – in and out of uniform. And I will work every day to make sure that this country repays the great debt we owe them.
