The administration is moving ahead with concrete measures to make military families’ lives a little easier, Obama said.
“We’re seeing a 2.9 percent increase in salary for our [servicemembers] to ensure that we’re retaining and attracting new numbers of individuals who want to be part of the military forces and feel like they can build a life as a result,” she said. “In terms of our spouses, the administration is investing $80 million just for career development and training for spouses, which is critical.”
That’s just the beginning.
“You’ll see more down the line that will show, not just in word but in deed, that we have to invest in our military, their families, and our veterans in a real meaningful way,” she added. “Whether that’s job training, mental health support [or] whether that’s ensuring that people have access to the health care they need.”
Blue Star Families Hosted at Congressional Session by Speaker Pelosi
Life Issues Survey Results Unveiled and Discussed with Members
Several Blue Star Families members were the focus in a closed-door session on military families on Capitol Hill, Tuesday, May 5. Hosted by Speaker of House Nancy Pelosi, the meeting was attended by 11 other members of Congress including the Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Rep. Ike Skelton, D-MO and Rep. Chet Edwards, D-TX, Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Quality of Life.
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Also present, Rep. Carole Shea-Porter, D-NH; Rep. Gwen Moore, D-WI; Rep. Kay Granger, R-TX; Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-AZ; Rep. Tim Walz, D-MN; Rep. Harry Teague, D-NM; Rep. Niki Tsongas, D-MA; Rep. Kathy Dahlkemper, D-PA; Rep. John Hall, D-NY; and Rep. Susan Davis, D-CA.
