President Obama delivered a 30-minute speech Tuesday to attendees of the Veterans of Foreign Wars national convention. During his address, Obama told the audience of veterans that he would keep funneling money into the Department of Defense in order to keep the United States’ military strong.

Every ally and every adversary needs to know around the world that the United States has and will continue to have the strongest, most capable fighting force the world has ever known.

Obama’s speech then shifted to the nitty gritty of foreign policy. In particular, he advocated for increasing defense spending and airstrikes against ISIS.

I firmly believe that the United States should not be engaged in another major ground war in the Middle East. That’s not good for our national security and it’s not good for our military. But what we can do and what we are doing is to pound ISIL from the air.

The president also mentioned the four hostages currently being held in Iran, which he was questioned about during a press conference. He pledged to advocate for their release.

Obama issued his first major remarks in the aftermath of the Chattanooga tragedy. After delivering brief eulogies for each of the servicemen who lost their lives last week, the president affirmed that the United States relies on the heroism, sacrifice and service of American veterans.

VFW, our nation endures because citizens like you put on the uniform and serve to keep us free. We endure because your families serve and stay strong on the home front. We endure because the freedoms and values you protected are now defended by a new generation — Americans just like our five patriots who gave their lives in Chattanooga.

Obama’s full speech can be watched and/or read on C-Span.

(Photo Credit: Jeff Swensen, Getty Images)