I will continue to make that case until relief has passed. This is the most basic commitment of America's government, and the greatest responsibility of an American President. Our nation's ideals inspire the world, but our nation's ships and planes and armies must defend these ideals and sustain our allies and friends. American influence is unquestioned, but maintaining it requires work in every generation. The relative peace our nation enjoys today is not inevitable.
Peace is earned by strength and strength begins with the men and women who wear the uniform.
New weapons and technologies are important, but they are only as effective as the people who use them. On Monday, I will travel to Fort Stewart, in Georgia, to meet with soldiers and their families. I want to thank them for their service and give my full support in return. They deserve the best training, the latest and best equipment, and long overdue improvements in their pay, housing and standard of living. And, so, as I promised, I will announce meaningful increases in funding to improve the lives of our men and women in uniform.