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DOD Statement on Fort Hood Independent Review

"This task is a solemn responsibility, and one that we undertake with humility and a firm commitment to fulfill the department's – and the nation's – obligation to keep our troops, their families, and all DoD employees safe."

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - The Department of Defense today released a statement by Togo West and retired Adm. Vern Clark, co-chairs of the DoD independent review related to Fort Hood.

"In light of the shooting at Fort Hood, Secretary Gates has asked us to lead a department-wide review to ensure the safety and health of DOD employees and their families."

4x4 Enthusiasts Combine Recreation and Lifesaving Skills to Help Others (SLIDESHOW)

Every once in a while, things line up just right for the benefit of all.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Earlier this month I went to Sandy, Oregon area with my friend Noah Patraw, one of those guys that loves driving a 4x4 and you know, there are many like him out there.

And then there are those that love to drive 4x4's and use this skill and love for the terrain to assist the community in searching for and rescuing people.

Everyday Leaders

As an everyday leader, you are the guardians of servitude and the custodians of courage in the time of need. You tap the resources of your leadership not out of impulse, but from what you have nurtured all along.

(CHARLESTON, S.C.) - On a cold wintry day in January 2009, US Airways flight 1549 taxied down the runway at New York’s LaGuardia airport. The flight, bound for Charlotte, N.C., was a familiar flight for Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger. Within a matter of minutes after takeoff, flight 1543 was floating in the Hudson River, mechanical failure from a bird shot brought the plane down.

In his book, Highest Duty, My Search for What Really Matters, Sullenberger shares not only his life story, but the heroic actions he and his crew took to ensure that not one passenger was lost.

Hero Who Served in Four Wars Laid to Rest in Washington

It was an honor to be there and to learn a little more about one of our great heroes who fought in and survived the conflicts of our nation's recent history.

(WASHOUGAL, Wash.) - I was fortunate this week to attend a ceremony in Washougal, Washington to help honor one of our heroes from the greatest generation.

I had no idea who this person was upon arriving there, and barely even remembered his name, but that changed when I learned a little more, just by looking at a display in the gathering area of the church.

Images Capture Spirit of 35th Annual Veterans Day Parade

35th Annual Parade is Portland's only event honoring Veterans Day.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Portland residents gathered to pay their respects to the people who serve the United States in uniform on Veterans Day, as the nation remains bitterly engaged in two Mideast conflicts.

Portland's only parade held to honor America's veterans, The 35th annual Veterans Day Parade was held in the Hollywood District Nov. 11, 2009.

Veterans Day Thoughts from a Career Air Force Fighter Pilot

I believe you don't need to wear a flight suit or army fatigues to serve our country. The best way we can thank our veterans is to make them proud of us through our own personal commitment, courage, and compassion.

(Atlanta, Ga.) - As we celebrate this Veterans Day to honor our country's heroes and pay respect to their service and sacrifice, it's difficult not to get caught up with the emotions and controversy surrounding the recent massacre at Fort Hood Army base in TX.

What happened was indeed a tragedy and the families and loved ones of those killed or injured will have many challenging days ahead. My heartfelt condolences go out to all of them.

President Obama Launches Major Veterans Employment Initiative

Initiative Would Transform Federal Government into Model of Veterans Employment.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - Today, the White House announced the launch of an initiative that is designed to transform the federal government into the model employer of America’s veterans.

This evening, President Obama will be joined by Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki, Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and Office of Personnel Management Director John Berry to sign an Executive Order on the Employment of Veterans in the federal government, which establishes the Veterans Employment Initiative for the Executive Branch.

Thank You Taps Players

My goal today was to share this piece with you and say thanks to all the Taps players out there at the same time.

(PORTLAND, Ore) - For many years, I've thought I have made up a tune that I thought existed out there somewhere. I had heard it on one of my many overseas excursions, back in the day when I traveled light.

The tune is like an extended full version of Taps and the title is Il Silenzio, which is Italian. I stumbled across it searching for something else and I listened, and I cried. It brought back memories I didn't know I had.

Portland Featured in New Report on Innovative City Leadership for Children and Families

The report provides a snapshot of the progress cities have made as the nation’s largest network of public policy “laboratories” and the potential for future action as municipal leaders identify and share promising approaches in these areas.

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - A new report by the National League of Cities (NLC), The State of City Leadership for Children and Families in 2009, recognizes Portland, Ore., for its cutting-edge youth civic engagement initiatives, including the Bill of Rights for Children and Youth of Portland and Multnomah County.

The National League of Cities is the nation’s oldest and largest organization devoted to strengthening and promoting cities as centers of opportunity, leadership and governance.

President Obama Addresses Nobel Peace Prize

"This award -- and the call to action that comes with it -- does not belong simply to me or my administration; it belongs to all people around the world who have fought for justice and for peace."

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - This morning, Michelle and I awoke to some surprising and humbling news. At 6:00 a.m., we received word that I'd been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009.

To be honest, I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many of the transformative figures who've been honored by this prize -- men and women who've inspired me and inspired the entire world through their courageous pursuit of peace.