LAS VEGAS (AP) — Vice President Mike Pence offered prayers and a pep talk to military service members during a brief speech at Nellis Air Force Base outside Las Vegas.
In comments Thursday from a podium outside a hangar for the Air Force Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team, Pence told more than 1,000 camouflage-clad troops that President Donald Trump "has your back."
Pence drew applause when he said that under Trump, the era of armed forces budget cuts is over.
He says America now more than ever needs military excellence, expertise and dedication.
Pence earlier visited a newly opened Air Force testing, tactics and training development program near the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
He also offered words of support for two Nevada Republicans running for office this year.
U.S. Sen. Dean Heller is expected to face a tough re-election campaign, and state Attorney General Adam Laxalt is running for governor.