End of U.S. Combat Mission in Iraq Announced

In his August 31, 2010, address to the nation, President Obama announced the end of the U.S. combat mission in Iraq. Said President Obama, "Through this remarkable chapter in the history of the United States and Iraq, we have met our responsibility. Now it is time to turn the page."

As the country turns the page, much attention is focused on the economy. To that end, President Obama announced that restoring the economy, putting people back to work, and creating a workforce to compete in the global economy "must be our central mission as a people, and my central responsibility as President."

Education and Health Care Benefits to Honor Service

A central component of this responsibility is ensuring and honoring commitments to the servicemembers and veterans who served the country in both Iraq and Afghanistan. President Obama notes, "[W]e will do whatever it takes to serve our veterans as they have served us."

Specifically, President Obama addressed increased funding for for health care benefits for veterans such as, post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries--the "signature wounds of today's wars." The President also addressed the funding for a "Post-9/11 GI Bill that helps our veterans and their families pursue a dream of a college education."

Just as the original GI Bill helped veterans and servicemembers who fought for their country "become the backbone of our middle class" after World War II, today's veterans needs access to the same benefits and support. "[T]oday's servicemen and women," continues the President, "must have the chance to apply their gifts to expand the American economy. Because part of ending a war responsibly is standing by those who have fought it."

The toll has been great as more than 4,400 U.S. troops have been killed and nearly 32,000 have been wounded during their service in Iraq.

For more information, refer to the transcript from the White House: Remarks by the President in Address to the Nation on the End of Combat Operations in Iraq

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