BOISE -- The highest-ranking military officer in the U.S. Armed Forces spoke before the City Club of Boise and to a crowd gathered at the Morrison Center at Boise State University Monday. It was the latest stop for Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on his Conversation with the Country tour.
Mullen encouraged those who attended the town hall meetings to support the employment, educational and health care needs of veterans, their families and the families of the fallen.
"It's going to take all of us," said Mullen. "It's going to take government organizations, support organizations, private organizations, non-profit organizations. It takes inspired local leaders to get together in meetings like this, in lunches like this, to figure out how it's going to work in the state of Idaho and the city of Boise."
Before the meetings, Mullen met with 13 Idaho families who have lost loved ones in Iraq or Afghanistan.
"(They are) truly extraordinary people and they only ask one thing -- that we never forget that sacrifice. And part of this conversation and part of my goal is to sustain the visibility in terms of their service," said Mullen.
Mullen also visited the Boise Veterans Affairs Medical Center and met with local business leaders.
He called the service members in Iraq and Afghanistan the most extraordinary generation he's served with. He says the men and women can continue to make a difference back home, if given the opportunity.
"More than anything else I'm hopeful that I could inspire local leadership to continue to grab the bull by the horns to make a difference for those who are coming back to Idaho who have such a difference for us along with their families," said Mullen.
Mullen mentioned a website that connects veterans with services in their areas. You can find it at www.warriorgateway.org.
KTVB will air Admiral Mullen's speech on Tuesday, April 5 on 24/7 at 10 a.m., 2 p.m., and 7 p.m.
