In Minnesota, Obama to tackle issues facing vets

[August 30, 2011]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama is tackling veterans' issues, including unemployment, during a speech at the American Legion national convention in Minneapolis.

The White House says the president on Tuesday will discuss administration efforts to assist all veterans, and pay special tribute to the "9/11 Generation" of troops and their families who have served in a decade of wars in Iraq or Afghanistan.

The Obama administration long has said veterans face unique challenges finding work upon their return home. Among those who joined the military after the Sept. 11 attacks, the unemployment rate was 13.3 percent as of June.

Obama has proposed tax credits and training programs to help thousands of service members find jobs.

The American Legion says its annual convention is the nation's largest gathering of veterans and their families.

[Associated Press; By JULIE PACE]

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