President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama hosted a dinner for veterans of the Iraq war and their families at the White House to honor them for their service and sacrifice. “Tonight, on behalf of Michelle and myself, on behalf of over 300 million Americans, we want to express those simple words that we can never say enough, and that’s ‘Thank you,'” said the President in welcoming the guests at Wednesday’s special tribute. Among the 80 or so Iraq war veterans invited to the event was MSgt. Kevin Bullivant, an explosive ordnance disposal specialist assigned to the Utah Air National Guard’s 151st Air Refueling Wing. “The opportunity to meet other members from other branches of service and hear their personal sacrifices is an honor,” he said. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta attended the event as did Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Martin Dempsey and the service Chiefs. (White House transcript of dinner speeches) (AFPS report by Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.)
The Space Development Agency says it’s on track to issue its next batch of missile warning and tracking satellite contracts this month after those awards were delayed by the Pentagon’s decision to divert funds from the agency to pay troops during this fall’s prolonged government shutdown.
