Secretary Salazar Applauds President Obama's Initiative to Support Military Families

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today issued the following statement in support of President Obama's initiative, Strengthening Our Military Families: Meeting America's Commitment:

“We must honor the remarkable service and sacrifices of our military families by doing all we can to provide them the support and quality of life they deserve. As stewards of America's great natural, cultural and historic treasures, the Department of the Interior can help provide our service members, their families, and our veterans with unique opportunities for recreation, rehabilitation and solitude. Under President Obama's leadership and on behalf of a grateful nation, I look forward to working across the federal family to expand opportunities for military families and to honor their commitment to our country.”

Secretary Salazar has established “Support of Military Families and Veterans” as a high-priority goal for the Department of the Interior. Interior initiatives outlined in the President's Directive include:

• Working with the Department of Defense to provide expanded opportunities for military families to use Interior lands and recreational facilities for recovery, especially wounded warriors in their efforts to regain psychological health, reintegrate with family, and rehabilitate.
• Partnering with the Department of Defense to expand employment opportunities for military youth and families in conservation. The Department of the Interior is one of the largest federal employers of youth ages 15-25.

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