In NY speech, Michelle Obama urges nonprofits to involve veterans, families in their work

First lady urges nonprofits to engage veterans

NEW YORK — First Lady Michelle Obama is urging global development groups to include military veterans and their spouses in their work.

Obama says veterans and their families often struggle with the transition back to civilian life, particularly in a bad economy. She says veterans are trained and skilled and are used to shouldering great responsibility and working for a cause greater than themselves.

Obama spoke Thursday in New York at the closing session of the Clinton Global Initiative. Former President Bill Clinton sponsors the annual conference, where business leaders, governments and nonprofits make financial commitments to development projects around the world.

Obama says veterans have experience building roads, health clinics and schools — the kind of work the CGI promotes.