Military Times reports that “on Tuesday night, veterans groups and defense watchers will once again carefully dissect the president’s annual State of the Union speech to Congress for any mention of their policy priorities.”  

“They’re likely to be disappointed.”  

“Military and veterans issues haven’t commanded much of the annual address since the start of Barack Obama’s presidency. On average, just under half of President George W. Bush’s speeches dealt with foreign policy and national security. Obama has spent less than a quarter of his time on those topics, a reflection of the winding down of the wars overseas.”  

Adds Stars and Stripes : “Servicemember and veteran groups say looming budget cuts and health care services will be their top concerns when President Barack Obama takes the podium Tuesday night for his State of the Union address.”