An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | Nov. 10, 2011

Obama, Panetta Praise Military Veterans' Service

By Donna Miles American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON - Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta today joined President Barack Obama in recognizing the contributions veterans have made throughout U.S. history and the sacrifices U.S. military members continue to make in defending its freedoms.

"On my first Veterans Day as secretary of defense, I want to extend my deepest thanks to all of you serving this country in uniform," Panetta said in a video to the force being aired worldwide on the Pentagon Channel and Armed Forces Network.

"In traveling to the front lines, in visiting with wounded warriors, I have been inspired by the patriotism and dedication of our service members," he said. "Over the past 10 years of war, you have done all that was asked of you - and more. You truly are the next greatest generation."

Panetta recognized military members' bravery and selfless service as they've defended the nation since its inception.

"Our veterans and current service members deserve our country's gratitude - not just on Veterans Day, but every day," he said. "Thank you, and may God bless you and your families."

The president, in a proclamation released earlier this week, noted the sterling example veterans have shown throughout history as they put their country ahead of themselves.

"In times of war and peace alike, our veterans have served with courage and distinction in the face of tremendous adversity, demonstrating an unfaltering commitment to America and our people," Obama said. "Many have made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve the country they loved."

The president noted that many veterans, after leaving military service, have continued to serve as leaders in their communities and workplaces.

The selflessness of military members and veterans is "unmatched," Obama said, noting veterans provide a reminder that "there are few things more fundamentally American than doing our utmost to make a difference in the lives of others."

In return, the United States has a moral obligation to ensure that veterans receive support "for as long as they live as proud veterans of the United States armed forces," Obama said.

He pledged to honor troops performing missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as all others who serve or have served in uniform "by working tirelessly to give them the care, the benefits, and the opportunities they have earned."

"On Veterans Day, we pay tribute to our veterans, to the fallen and to their families," he said. "Let us rededicate ourselves to serving them as well as they have served the United States of America."

Related Links

 

 

Related Articles
U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 108th Medical Company Area Support, 213th Regional Support Group prepare dummies for a simulated casualty evacuation at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, July 17, 2025. The 108th Medical Company engaged in a weeklong field medical exercise to validate their readiness and elevate their medical and basic Soldier skills. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Capt. Christopher Booker)
Pennsylvania Guard Medics Simulate Chaos in Exercise
By Capt. Christopher Booker, | July 18, 2025
FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. - Soldiers assigned to the Pennsylvania National Guard's 108th Medical Company Area Support, 213th Regional Support Group, are engaged in a comprehensive two-week field medical exercise here.The...

Nevada Air National Guard's 152nd Maintenance Group and 152nd Logistics Readiness Squadron personnel load Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS) equipment onto MAFFS #8, aircraft #554 at the Nevada Air National Guard Base on July 12, 2025. U.S. Northern Command activated two Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS) Aircraft, one from the 152nd Airlift Wing out of Reno, Nevada, and one from the 146th Airlift Wing out of Channel Islands Air National Guard Station in California. Two C-130 aircraft equipped with MAFFS and their associated personnel will support firefighting efforts in the Western United States. The 152nd Airlift Wing’s “High Rollers” and 146th Airlift Wing's “Hollywood Guard” report on July 14, 2025, and will be initially based out of Channel Islands Air National Guard Base in California and are anticipated to be in place through August 14, 2025.
Nevada Air Guard Wing Assists in Firefighting Efforts
By Senior Master Sgt. Paula Macomber, | July 18, 2025
RENO, Nev. – U.S. Northern Command has activated two Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System Aircraft, one from the Nevada Air National Guard’s 152nd Airlift Wing out of Reno, Nevada, and one from the 146th Airlift Wing out of...

Air Force Gen. Steve Nordhaus, 30th Chief of the National Guard Bureau, and Senior Enlisted Advisor John Raines, SEA to the CNGB, join Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Air Force Maj. Gen. Thomas Suelzer, the adjutant general of Texas, for an aerial assessment of flood-affected areas in Central Texas and to visit Guardsmen on duty supporting civil authorities with response efforts, Kerrville, Texas, July 15, 2025. To date, National Guard search and rescue operations, led by the Texas National Guard, have resulted in the rescue of more than 525 Texans. Hundreds of Guardsmen remain on mission to continue working with interagency partners in search and rescue and recovery operations.
Nordhaus, Raines see Heroism, Partnerships in Central Texas
By Master Sgt. Zach Sheely, | July 18, 2025
KERRVILLE, Texas – Early on July 4, almost 30 inches of rain fell within hours across Central Texas’s Hill Country, surging the Guadalupe River and triggering catastrophic flash flooding.Within hours, Texas National Guard...