ms. martha raddatz and will include a form for questions from the audience. as we heard from president bush, our government has rightly made supporting our veterans a top priority. the department of defense, department of veterans affairs, department of labor and others, all of whom are represented in this room today, make herculean efforts to support this population and the commitment of our government is also embodied in the leadership and work of joining forces out of the white house. bidenond lady, dr. jill works to bring attention to the sacrifices made by her military families. sheis a military mom and so also understands firsthand how difficult it can be to have a loved one deployed overseas. her children's book " don't forget, god bless our troops" speaks directly to military family issues. forces the joining initiative, michelle obama and dr. jill biden have issued a national challenge to all americans to take action and find ways to support and engage our military families in their own communities. ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming t