Command Sergeant Major Michele Jones, U.S. Army (Ret.)
Democratic National Convention
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Remarks as Prepared for Delivery

Good evening. It is my honor and privilege to speak to you tonight. I stand before you not as a politician or government official, but as an American citizen and as a soldier for more than 25 years.

I was proud to serve my country as a noncommissioned officer in the greatest army in the world. And for the last five of those years, I served as the Ninth Command Sergeant Major of the Army Reserve, representing all enlisted men and women in the Army Reserve and their families within the Department of the Army and Department of Defense, and before Congress and the media.

It is without hesitation, and with much conviction, that I endorse Senator Barack Obama for President of the United States of America. I am endorsing Senator Obama because I believe he is the best, most qualified and able candidate to serve as my commander-in-chief. He is the type of commander-in- chief that America's soldiers need and deserve. Barack Obama will bring America the change we need.

Senator Obama's record speaks for itself, supporting America's soldiers and families in every stage of their service. And he'll continue to make sure that the men and women risking their lives for us in Iraq, Afghanistan, around the world and here at home have the equipment, training and resources they need to accomplish their mission.

Senator Obama understands veterans and our needs-all veterans, active and reserve-and knows the differences between the two. He'll fully fund the VA, so all our returning heroes get the quality care they deserve. And when it comes to the national shame of too many homeless veterans, Barack Obama has one simple policy: Zero tolerance.

Senator Obama truly exemplifies what a commander-in-chief should be: a leader who understands the threats we face and who cares for every young man and woman under his command.

I first became impressed with Senator Obama when he took the time to call a young soldier who was unable to complete his initial training, not because he was injured but because he was terminally ill with brain cancer. Senator Obama did not do it for the publicity or a photo op.

He did it because I asked, and he did it because he cared.

America's service men and women need a president and a commander-in-chief with the courage to serve, the gift to lead and the ability to get things done. That president is Barack Obama.

Ladies and gentlemen, God bless each and every one of you. God bless Senator and Mrs. Obama. And God bless America.