In honor of Veterans Day, first lady Michelle Obama, along with Dr. Jill Biden, thanked members of the military for their service in an Op-Ed featured in several military newspapers. According to the Department of Defense, the article, titled "Joining Forces with you on Veterans Day," addresses how the military, federal government and private sector can work together to expand the first lady's veterans initiative.
Obama launched the "Joining Forces" initiative more than two years ago as a way to bridge the gap between veterans, nonprofits and private businesses through employment directives, educational programs and wellness and care services.
"We've been overwhelmed by the courage of our wounded warriors and the devotion of the caregivers who stand by their side," Obama and Biden wrote in the Op-Ed. We've been inspired by the military spouses and children who've endured move after move, deployment after deployment with such strength and grace."
Veterans unemployment remains one of the initiative's largest concerns. The first lady stated that while major companies such as Starbucks, AT&T and Facebook have hired thousands of veterans over the last two years, many veterans still face obstacles when it comes to credentials and training. According to the Op-Ed, Obama and the "Joining Forces" initiative is currently working with politicians at the state level to streamline the credentialing process.