On Veterans Day, caring for those who have borne the battle

It is a great honor to share the heartfelt wishes of the entire DOT community with America's veterans and military families on this Veterans Day.

On Wednesday, I was in Jacksonville at the Duval County Veterans Memorial Wall where we announced our latest effort to help our heroes and their families, the Veterans Transportation and Community Living Initiative.  And if you haven't visited this site, I assure you that it is truly compelling.

 

But I want readers to know that DOT's efforts to support our veterans don't end with this one program, and they don't just rev up when Veterans Day approaches.  For example, last May the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued a rule that makes it easier for veterans to take the first step toward getting a job as a professional truck or bus driver. 

The new rule allows any veteran with two years of safe experience driving a commercial motor vehicle in the military to apply for a civilian commercial driver’s license. Qualifying veterans are only required to pass a written test to obtain a civilian CDL. 

And FMCSA is reaching out to the various branches of the military to encourage robust participation.  The agency is already working with the U.S. Army National Guard and Reserves to establish a formal program that will make it easy for drivers being trained by the Army to also qualify for a civilian CDL.

DOT's programs are just part of this Administration's effort to improve our veterans' transition to civilian life.  Just yesterday, the U.S. Senate passed a key provision of President Obama's initiative to help returning veterans find the jobs they need.  Under this piece of the American Jobs Act, employers who hire returning veterans are eligible for up to $9,600 in tax credits.

As the President said, "If you fought for your country, you shouldn't have to fight for a job when you come home."

 

First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden have also taken up the torch with their leadership of  "Joining Forces," an effort to mobilize all sectors of our society to give our service members and their families the opportunities they have earned.

In his second inaugural address, President Abraham Lincoln pledged that--as a nation--we would, "care for [those] who have borne the battle," and for all who rely on them.

Today, we owe our men and women in uniform, our veterans, and their families no less.  And President Obama's Administration is honoring that commitment.