Vets like what Obama says, hope he acts

PHOENIX - Veterans attending the national convention of the VFW liked what they heard from President Barack Obama on Monday, but were skeptical that his administration would follow through.

"I liked what he said," said one of those who listed to Obama speak at the Phoenix Convention Center. "As long as we go follow through with the promises, then I'm great with it."

The president told the veterans that his health care reform proposal will not change health care for veterans that, "No one is going to take away your benefits."

The president said ``the true strength of our military lies in the spirit and skill of our men and women in uniform.''

He also pledged to maintain or expand their benefits, fight waste in military procurement and only send troops into battle when it is absolutely necessary, based on good intelligence and with a clear strategy.

"I've come to believe that politicians tell you what you want to hear," one veteran said after the speech.

Another said, "I thought he put on quite a speech up there, if he holds true to his word."

Many veterans said they were happy the president promised to help homeless vets.

"Veterans benefits and their health care, he's not going to mess with that and that was one of the big things," said one veteran. Two others echoed his comments.

Another said he was impressed with the president's pledge "to cut the paperwork so the veterans who need the benefits can get them in a timely fashion."

Lawrence Berman, a VFW member from Florida, said, "He's showing us that the funding is there to help people coming back with these new type of disabilities -- these traumatic brain injuries, PTSD, the homeless. These are missions that before were promised, but he's claiming a delivery."

The First Lady and Obama's two daughters went from The Phoenician Resort to Phoenix Sky Harbor and met the presidential motorcade shortly after 11 a.m. Eleven minutes after the motorcade arrived -- after brief goodbyes from Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon and Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard -- Air Force One taxied down the runway and took off for Washington.