Michelle Obama Shines Her Spotlight on Military Families

[babylonsister]

She is setting such a great example!

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/2009/03/12/michelle_obama_shines_her_spot.html?wprss=44

Michelle Obama Shines Her Spotlight on Military Families

By DeNeen L. Brown


Supporting military families, she has said, is an issue "close to her heart." And on her first solo out-of-town trip as first lady, Michelle Obama went to Fort Bragg Military base in North Carolina, where she was greeted by cheers from soldiers. She talked with soldiers, posed for pictures and gave hugs, according to a pool report, before meeting for a private lunch with 20 family members and five volunteers who help provide support for soldiers and their families.

The tour at Fort Bragg, her office said, is part of her campaign as first lady to meet military spouses and learn about support services that are available to military families.

Obama has said in the past weeks that more national attention must be paid to the plight of military families, and turned their needs into one of the signature issues on which she has focused her attention.

Last week at the women's center at Arlington National Cemetery, Obama said military families have a special courage and strength, noting that military service doesn't stop with the person wearing the uniform.

"They are mothers and fathers who have lost their beloved children to war," Obama said. "They are husbands and wives keeping the family on track while their wives and husbands are deployed, on duty. They are grandparents, aunts and uncles, sisters and brothers who are taking care of children while single moms or dads in uniform are away."

She continued: "See, military families have done their duty, and we as a grateful nation must do ours. We must do everything in our power to honor them by supporting them; not just by word but by deed."

Support for military families has long been a top issue for President Obama and the first lady and remains a high priority. During the presidential campaign, Michelle Obama often traveled around the country to have conversations with families "who," she said, "are left behind when our men and women go off to serve."

Later today she is expected to speak with members of community organizations in Fayetteville that provide support to soldiers and their families.

[av8rdave]

1. But wait...I thought all Democrats hate the military and hate our country

:sarcasm:



The Obamas have done so much in so little time to take away the right's claims that they're unpatriotic/unamerican.

[monmouth]

2. What have repugs ever done for these families? Didn't they vote

against pay raises for them???

[firedupdem]

3. Yes they did, the care nothing for these families.

I worked with a repub when the war started. I mentioned how sad it was that these young people, just barely able to drink legally were dying and he said "so what, that's what they sign up for". Made me absolutely sick.

[Phx_Dem]

4. She is such an amazing First Lady.

I love her. I could absolutely not be happier with President Obama and Michelle. Squeeeee!

[babylonsister]

5. Me, too. I am thankful every day. nt