January 20, 2009
President Obama is inaugurated into office.
During the campaign, he promised to end the war in Iraq and bring our troops home.
“We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people.”
Promise Kept
American troops served in Iraq with honor and distinction from March 19, 2003 until December 2011. The end of our mission in Iraq marks the fulfillment of a promise Barack Obama made to the American people even before he became President. Now, President Obama is acting on another promise to the troops and their families: We will fight as hard for them as they return home as they fought for us.
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January 21, 2009
On President Obama’s first full day in office, he directed his national security team to undertake a comprehensive review of our strategy in Iraq to determine the best way to strengthen that foundation, while strengthening America's national security.
February 27, 2009
The President delivers his first speech on Iraq
“By any measure, this has already been a long war. For the men and women of America’s armed forces – and for your families – this war has been one of the most extraordinary chapters of service in the history of our nation. You have endured tour after tour after tour of duty. You have known the dangers of combat and the lonely distance of loved ones. You have fought against tyranny and disorder. You have bled for your best friends and for unknown Iraqis. And you have borne an enormous burden for your fellow citizens, while extending a precious opportunity to the people of Iraq. Under tough circumstances, the men and women of the United States military have served with honor, and succeeded beyond any expectation.”
April 7, 2009
President Obama makes his first visit to Iraq as Commander in Chief
“It is time for us to transition to the Iraqis. They need to take responsibility for their country and for their sovereignty.”
Supporting the Troops
“We have a solemn responsibility to provide our veterans and wounded warriors with the care and benefits they’ve earned when they come home. That is our sacred trust with all who serve – and it doesn’t end when their tour of duty does.”
August 3, 2009
The Post 9/11 GI Bill provides financial support for education and housing. In 2012, over 500,000 participants are expected to receive almost $8.5 billion in tuition, fees, housing, and stipend benefits.
October 22, 2009
The Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act reformed how we fund health care for our veterans.
July 9, 2010
New Regulations on PTSD claims make it easier for men and women who served in the armed forces to receive benefits for post-traumatic stress disorder.
April 12, 2011
First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden launched Joining Forces to support and honor America’s service members and their families.
August 31, 2010
President Obama announces the end of the combat mission in Iraq and discusses the future of the U.S. commitment to helping build a stable Iraq in an address to the nation from the Oval Office.
“Last February, I announced a plan that would bring our combat brigades out of Iraq, while redoubling our efforts to strengthen Iraq’s Security Forces and support its government and people. That is what we have done. We have removed nearly 100,000 U.S. troops from Iraq. We have closed or transferred hundreds of bases to the Iraqis. And we have moved millions of pieces of equipment out of Iraq. This completes a transition to Iraqi responsibility for their own security.”
Vice President Biden has been to Iraq eight times since the 2008 election and has spent two Fourth of July holidays with the troops
December 21, 2011
"As your commander in chief, and on behalf of a grateful nation, I'm proud to finally say these two words: Welcome home."
President Obama travels to Fort Bragg to mark the exit of the last American troops from Iraq, officially ending nearly nine years of war there and leaving Iraq future in the hands of its people.
Continuing Support
"As Commander-in-Chief, I want all our veterans to know that we are forever grateful for your service and for your sacrifice. And just as you fought for us, we’re going to keep fighting for you –- for more jobs, for more security, for the opportunity to keep your families strong and to keep America competitive in the 21st century."
On August 5, 2011 President Obama announced new commitments to servicemembers and veterans that will provide a comprehensive plan to lower veteran unemployment and ensure that servicemembers leave the military career-ready through hiring tax credits, private sector commitments, and reforms that improve the way we prepare, train, and educate servicemembers for life after the military.
On November 7, 2011 President Obama introduces new resources to help connect veterans with jobs when they transition back to civilian life.
On November 21, 2011 the President signs into law two tax credits that encourage businesses to hire veterans.
On August 22, 2012, First Lady Michelle Obama announced that private sector companies hired more than 125,000 veterans and military spouses in the past year, and committed to hiring 125,000 more by 2014.
Decades from now, Americans will visit the memorials to those who were lost on 9/11. They will run their fingers over the places where the names of those we loved are carved into marble and stone, and they may wonder at the lives they led. Standing before the white headstones in Arlington, and in peaceful cemeteries and small-town squares in every corner of our country, they will pay respects to those lost in Afghanistan and Iraq. They will see the names of the fallen on bridges and statues, at gardens and schools. And they will know that nothing can break the will of a truly United States of America. - President Barack Obama, September 11, 2011