Obama welcomes Wounded Warrior ride to the White House

President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden on Thursday welcomed the Wounded Warrior Project's Soldier Ride to the White House, promising to uphold the nation's commitment to veterans.

"Especially now as we're winding down the war in Afghanistan ... we are standing up for you," Mr. Obama said from the White House South Lawn. "I will keep fighting to make sure you and your family get the care and treatment and benefits you deserve."

The Soldier Ride, now in its seventh year, raises awareness of the challenges that Wounded Warriors face and helps veterans restore their physical and emotional well-being. The Soldier Ride started Tuesday at the National Harbor in Washington, D.C. and continues through Saturday.

Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki also greeted the veterans and hailed the progress his agency has made under Mr. Obama's leadership. More than 2 million additional veterans have enrolled in VA health care, he noted, and veteran homelessness is down by 24 percent since 2010.

"We couldn't have a stronger veterans advocate," he said of the president.