i want to announce the secretary of veterans affairs, rick shensheki. he is one of our finest veterans and an extraordinary leader when he was in our army. i also want to acknowledge interior secretary ken salazar who is in the house. [ applause ] >> and we're joined by another president. the international association of firefighters president harold schafberger is here. [ applause ] >> this is a fire station that holds special significance for our country. on 9/11, the firefighters of this house were among the first to respond to the attack on the pentagon. you guys answered this nation's call during its hour of need. and in the years that followed, as americans went to war, some of you answered that call as well. today's 9/11 generation of veterans has already earned a special place in our history. our veterans and all the brave men and women who serve our country are the reason why america's military is the greatest in the history of the world. in the face of great odds and grave danger, they get the job done. they work as a team. they personify the