MINNEAPOLIS (AP) ? President Barack Obama traveled to the site of the American Legion convention in Minneapolis Tuesday to spell out administration efforts to help men and women having difficulty finding civilian jobs after leaving the service. The White House said the president also would pay special tribute to the “9/11 Generation” of troops and their families who have served in a decade of wars in Iraq or Afghanistan.
“His remarks will focus on the incredible sacrifice and commitment demonstrated by the service to their country that veterans have made throughout our history,” press secretary Jay Carney told reporters traveling with Obama aboard Air Force One. “He will emphasize the sacrifice and commitment of the 9/11 generation of veterans.”
The administration long has said that veterans face unique challenges in finding work upon their return home. Among those who joined the military after the Sept. 11 attacks, the unemployment rate was 13.3 percent as of June.
Obama has proposed tax credits and training programs to help thousands of service members find jobs.
The American Legion says its annual convention is the nation’s largest gathering of veterans and their families.
