President Barack Obama speaks at the White House on July 18, 2016. (C.J. Lin/Stars and Stripes)
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama will speak Aug. 1 to the group Disabled American Veterans during a convention in Atlanta, the White House said Thursday.
Obama plans to talk about benefits and greater opportunity for veterans during the annual event, which runs July 31 through Aug. 3.
DAV is a nonprofit charity organization that helps disabled veterans with employment, obtaining benefits and rides to medical appointments. It has 1.3 million members and 1,300 chapters across the country, according to its website.
“The president believes it is our nation's sacred obligation to honor the servicemen and women who keep America safe, and looks forward to discussing how we can ensure our veterans receive the benefits they have earned, as well as continue expanding opportunities for our service members, veterans, and their families,” the White House announcement said.
Obama will also attend a Democratic National Convention roundtable during the trip to Georgia.
DAV Executive Director Garry Augustine said the group is grateful Obama accepted an invitation to speak.
“The president has demonstrated that he is a strong supporter of our nation's veterans and their families,” Augustine said in a statement to Stars and Stripes. “He's fought for needed resources and reforms for the Department of Veterans Affairs. He has worked closely with veteran service organizations and acted in good faith on our behalf.”
The convention will also include discussions with Bob McDonald, the secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., chairman of the Veterans Affairs Committee.
DAV also invited presidential candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, according to Augustine.
