On July 21, President Obama attended the 116th Veterans of Foreign Wars Convention. With veterans' issues in the media spotlight, the president traveled to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and took to the stage to address the nearly 10,000 attendees. According to the White House, President Obama addressed issues like health care for veterans' health care, the VA's performance, civilian and military relations, and American foreign policy and overseas leadership. During his speech, Obama thanked the veterans for their service and sacrifice. He said that the bravery and selfless spirit of veterans is the reason the U.S. endures. He went on to discuss his hopes for the future of America's leadership roles overseas. The president said that sending troops into battle should not be the first course of action when dealing with foreign countries. He expressed his wishes for developing a system where policy leaders "exhaust every alternative" before engaging in foreign conflict.
Obama stressed a need for better support for veterans who are trying to establish a life after service. The Obama administration is responsible for getting VA benefits to 2 million veterans who previously went without them. The president ended his speech by honoring the victims of the shooting in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
To read the president's full speech, click here.