PITTSBURGH — President Barack Obama is scheduled to speak Tuesday at the Veterans of Foreign Wars National Convention.
The 116th VFW National Convention begins Saturday at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, in Pittsburgh.
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“We are very grateful to President Obama for choosing to address America’s oldest and largest major war veterans’ organization,” said VFW National Commander John W. Stroud, a retired Air Force first sergeant.
Obama last spoke before the VFW at its national conventions in 2009 and 2012.
"Up to 12,000 members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and its Auxiliaries will be in Pittsburgh this weekend to elect new leadership and to approve resolutions that will guide the national organization’s advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill, and its veteran and military support programs across the country," said the VFW in a release.
The event is closed to the public.
"The president’s appearance continues a long standing VFW tradition to provide the commander-in-chief a platform to address issues of importance to veterans, military service members and their families.
Stroud said this is especially important during a time of war and instability abroad, and continued economic belt tightening at home," said the VFW.
“What we hope to hear is how he will continue to take the fight to our enemies, while keeping America safe through strong national defense and homeland security programs,”said Stroud. “We also want to know how he will create, enhance and protect veteran and military health care programs and Quality of Life initiatives, such as educational benefits, job training and employment programs, as well as hear a renewed White House commitment to return our fallen from their battlefields.”