President Obama visits Ft Bliss on anniversary of end of Iraq ‘combat’ PHOTO GALLERY
President Barack Obama visited and addressed the 5,000 troops at the Fort Bliss Main Hangar at Fort Bliss in Texas, an Army installation with proximity to the Mexican border.
President Barack Obama greets troops after delivering remarks at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, Aug. 31, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
The base is used for missile and artillery training and testing and home of the 1st Armored Division as well as the 32nd Army Air & Missile Defense Command.
President Obama chose the occasion to announce an executive order which expands suicide prevention and substance-abuse services for those who have served in the armed forces.
“I’ve signed a new executive order to give our troops, our veterans, and our families better access to mental health care,” President Obama told the troops.
“We’re going increase the number of folks manning those crisis hotlines so help is there when you need it most. We’re going to add even more counselors and mental health providers,” said the President. “We’re launching a new awareness campaign, starting tomorrow, and I’m directing a new task force to find out what works best so we’re doing everything we can to help those in need and save lives. And I know that you join me in saying to everyone who’s ever worn the uniform: If you’re hurting, it’s not a sign of weakness to seek help; it’s a sign of strength.”
The event marked the second anniversary from the pullout in Iraq saying that we honor those “who gave their lives there – nearly 4,500 American patriots, including 198 fallen heroes from Fort Bliss and the 1st Armored Division.”
President Barack Obama bids farewell to Gen. Lloyd Austin III at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, August 31, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
President Barack Obama talks with troops backstage before participating in a roundtable discussion at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, Aug. 31, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
President Barack Obama participates in a roundtable with service members and military families at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, Aug. 31, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
