WASHINGTON (AP) – The travel industry is promising to create nearly 3,000 jobs for veterans and military spouses by 2014 as part of a program announced Wednesday by Michelle Obama.

The first lady's office said the American Society of Travel Agents was creating a coalition to help veterans and military spouses get jobs in the travel industry and hang on to them as families are transferred to different military bases.

Mrs. Obama and Jill Biden, the wife of the vice president, are leading the Joining Forces campaign to encourage businesses, communities and others to support military families.

The travel industry coalition includes companies such as Orbitz Worldwide, American Express Consumer Travel network, Amadeus North America, and a number of leading rental car companies.

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