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President Bush: Troops depend on family support

by Gerry J. Gilmore, AFPS

10/26/2005 - WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- All U.S. troops fighting the war on terrorism "rely on the love and support of their families," President George W. Bush told spouses at Bolling Air Force Base here.

Military members are deployed worldwide defending "our freedom and our security in the first war of the 21st century," President Bush said Oct. 25.

And he said American servicemembers are performing dangerous missions in places like Afghanistan and Iraq "with skill and courage and compassion."

All of America "is proud of the men and women who wear our uniform," he said. "And so am I."

The president said all servicemembers need the support of their mothers, fathers, husbands and wives. Family members send care packages and e-mails to deployed servicemembers and "provide the daily encouragement for our folks overseas," he said.

President Bush also acknowledged that today is a trying time for military spouses and said many have been apart from deployed loved ones.

"Many of you have endured long separations from your husbands and wives," he said. "You miss them and worry about them, and all the while keep things running at home."

By standing behind their deployed husbands and wives, military spouses are serving as well, the president said. He also said American people are grateful for the strength and sacrifice military spouses make.

"And so am I," he said.

American servicemembers are sacrificing for their country, and military spouses deserve full support in return, President Bush said.

Servicemembers and their families deserve the best-possible pay, he said, adding that he has increased basic military pay by 21 percent since 2001. Military members and their families also deserve affordable, comfortable housing and good health benefits.

The president said military imminent danger pay has been increased by 50 percent to provide extra compensation for servicemembers deployed in harm's way. And, family separation pay was more than doubled. Base housing for military families has been upgraded, and out-of-pocket housing costs have been eliminated for most families living off base.

And it's easier for military families to get health care today, President Bush said. Tax filing deadlines are extended for deployed servicemembers. Payments for servicemembers wounded in action have increased. And education benefits have been improved for the Guard and reserve.

Source: American Forces Press Service