Obama vows to support veterans on Iraq war anniversary

President Barack Obama pledged to take better care of America’s war veterans as he spoke on Friday at the same site where he announced the end of the U.S. combat mission in Iraq two years ago.

Obama visited Fort Bliss, Texas, where on August 31, 2010, he announced he would fulfil one of the promises made during his 2008 run for the presidency and withdraw American forces from Iraq.

"We're winding down a decade of war, we're destroying terrorists' networks that attacked us, and we've restored American leadership," Obama said. "As president, I will insist that America serves you and your families as well as you've served us."

While reaching out to the military community ahead of the November 6 election, Obama promised to support soldiers returning from war with health services and the means to find jobs.

"Just as we give you the best equipment and technology on the battlefield, we need to give you the best support and care when you come home," Obama told a gathering of some 5,000 soldiers.

Obama also maintained his goal of winding down the war in Afghanistan by the end of 2014. The United States has been fighting in the troubled nation for more than a decade.

Obama’s address in Fort Bliss comes after he signed an executive order earlier in the day, ordering federal agencies to increase suicide prevention efforts and boost mental health and substance abuse treatments for veterans.

He also vowed to further assistance for those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and brain injuries.