The White House Blog: Dr. Jill Biden

Dr. Biden Highlights Joining Forces at Palo Alto Polytrauma Center, Code for America and University of Southern California

Posted by Melanie Kaye on January 26, 2012 at 8:06 PM EST

Dr. Jill Biden with members of the Building Capacity in Military-Connected Schools project, which is based at the University of Southern California School of Social Work. Dr. Biden visited USC to hear about how educators, parents and military students have benefited from the project, which focuses on improving the climate of civilian schools to be more welcoming and supportive of military children and their families. (by Brian Goodman) (by Brian Goodman)

Last week, Dr. Jill Biden traveled to California for several Joining Forces events – including a visit with wounded warriors at the Palo Alto Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center, a veterans’ employment event at Code for America and a roundtable discussion at the University of Southern California about how various community efforts support military children in schools.

At the polytrauma center – one of five in the country designed to provide intensive care to veterans and service members who have been severely injured – Dr. Biden met with wounded warriors and learned about the ways the hospital supports them and their families in their long-term recovery.

Dr. Jill Biden listens to patient experiences at the VA Palo Alto Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center. (by Curt Campbell) January 20, 2012. (by Curt Campbell)

In San Francisco, Dr. Biden joined U.S. Chief Technology Officer Aneesh Chopra and Peter Levin, Chief Technology Officer and Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, at Code for America to highlight Joining Forces at an “Apps for Heroes” event. Dr. Biden saw a demonstration of three “apps” designed to link veterans with mentoring and job search opportunities and thanked the technology companies who have innovated new ways to support veterans.
At a roundtable discussion to learn more about the USC School of Social Work’s Building Capacity in Military-Connected Schools project, Dr. Biden said the effort was the perfect example of the goal of Joining Forces – to encourage all Americans to understand the challenges faced by military families and to take action to support them. The program is a partnership between USC and eight military-connected school districts to better support military students in schools. Dr. Biden heard from educators, parents and students about the many ways the program is working in schools – from a pride club that supports military students to celebrating the Marine Corps’ birthday in schools to ways teachers are helping transfer students adjust to new schools.

Dr. Biden wrapped up her Joining Forces events with a visit to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in Southern California, where she visited with Marines and Sailors and their families. She spent time with Marines preparing to deploy at the Infantry Immersion Trainer, visited with Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians and their families, and met with wounded Marines and Sailors and their families. Read more about the visit here.

Melanie Kaye is Director of Communications to Second Lady Jill Biden.
Dr. Jill Biden: Honoring Our Military and Their Families at Camp Pendleton

Posted by Dr. Jill Biden on January 26, 2012 at 7:59 PM EST

Dr. Jill Biden meets Female Engagement Team members preparing to deploy to Afghanistan following a combat simulation exercise at Camp Pendleton, CA., Jan 20, 2012. January 20, 2012. (by Melanie Kaye)

Last Friday, I was honored to spend the day with Marines and families preparing for deployment at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. It was a very special day. As Second Lady, there is nothing I enjoy more than visiting our military and their families. I am honored that they share their successes, pride, and challenges with me, and that when I bring their concerns back to the White House, they help shape policy. But as a military mom, these visits are also personal. Each Marine I met on Friday is someone’s son or daughter, and I know well the mixture of pride and worry a family member feels when a loved one is preparing to go to war.

In the morning, I visited with Marines in combat training at the Infantry Immersion Trainer. I viewed a combat simulation exercise at the state-of-the art facility that is designed to resemble an Afghan village, down to every detail. The training is intended to prepare deploying Marines for the stress of combat. The visit made a deep and lasting impression on me, and it was a firm reminder of what our troops and their families sacrifice for us every single day – half a world away. After the simulation, I met with Female Engagement Team members preparing to deploy to Afghanistan. These young women go on foot patrols with Marine infantry units on the front lines in Afghanistan to interact with Afghan women and girls. I was inspired by their courage and determination, and their pride in what they do.

Our next stop was Family Day with members of the Explosive Ordinance Disposal Company and their families. The EOD team performs missions in extremely dangerous conditions, and they have very high injury rates. Almost all of the EOD team members I met are married, and many have young children – who also sacrifice every day while their Marines are in harm’s way. After lunch, I stopped at the EOD “hero wall,” a photo memorial honoring fallen Marines and Sailors. I will never forget their faces. One Marine – speaking of a fallen warrior – told me “he saved my life.”

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The President and First Lady Welcome the St. Louis Cardinals to the White House

Posted by Megan Slack on January 17, 2012 at 9:26 PM EST

First Lady Michelle Obama reacts to a joke by President Barack Obama as the President and Mrs. Obama welcome the 2011 World Series Champion St. Louis Cardinals to the White House to honor the team and their 2011 World Series victory, in the East Room, Jan. 17, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

Today, the President and First Lady hosted the St. Louis Cardinals at the White House to congratulate the team on its World Series win last year.

The Cardinals, who President Obama called “the greatest comeback team in the history of baseball,” made the playoffs after rallying from a ten and a half game deficit with just 31 games left in the regular season. At one point, the team had less than a 4 percent chance of even making the playoffs.

The Series itself was an unforgettable one, the President said:

Of course, the most memorable moment was Game Six of the World Series. I’ve got to say, that has to be one of the best baseball games of all time. Unbelievable game. I will tell you guys, I had a bunch of early-morning stuff the next day, and you kept me up. It was painful waking up the next morning. But what an incredible game.

Includes Video

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First and Second Families Participate in a National Day of Service

Posted by Megan Slack on January 16, 2012 at 3:10 PM EST

President Barack Obama delivers remarks at Browne Education Campus in Washington, D.C., before participating in a Martin Luther King, Jr. Day service event with First Lady Michelle Obama and daughter Malia, Jan. 16, 2012. January 16, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Today, President Obama, the First Lady, and Malia Obama volunteered at a local elementary school as part of a national day of service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King, who devoted his life to helping others, once said that “everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.”

Before pitching in to help clean, paint, and organize the school’s library, the President spoke to other volunteers from Big Brothers, Big Sisters and Greater DC Cares gathered for the event:

There’s nobody who can’t serve. Nobody who can’t help somebody else. And whether you’re seven or six or whether you’re 76, then you can find opportunities to make an enormous difference in your community.

The Vice President and Dr. Jill Biden also joined the millions of Americans participating in service events around the country. They traveled to Philadelphia to take part in the 17th annual Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service, the largest Martin Luther King Jr. Day event in the nation.

Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden attend the 17th Annual Martin Luther King Day of Service at Girard College in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, January 16, 2012. January 16, 2012. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

Read more about how the Obama Administration is honoring Dr. King's legacy through service:
- On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Honoring "Drum Majors for Service," by Joshua DuBois, Executive Director of the White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships
- Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Through Service, by Cecilia Muñoz, Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council
Joining Forces with NASCAR to Say Thanks to our Troops and their Families

Posted by Brad Cooper on December 30, 2011 at 3:30 PM EST

Joining Forces was launched earlier this year with one simple goal: Letting the men and women who serve our country – and their families -- know, as First Lady Michelle Obama says, “People care about you, they care about what you have done.”

The response to this initiative has been tremendous, with individuals and organizations from across the country joining in to say “thank you” – with commitments around hiring veterans, with commitments to increase access to wellness opportunities and with invitations for our active and retired servicemen and women – and their families – to participate in special events.

Recently, the First Lady and Dr. Jill Biden joined some of those families at a NASCAR race in Miami, Florida. It was a once in a lifetime experience for everyone who was there, but as Dr. Biden points out, making a difference isn’t that difficult, especially around the holidays. “Reach out to a military family and say, come on over and have dinner with us. This is the perfect time to extend an act of kindness.”
Dr. Biden’s Children’s Holiday Party Focuses on Support for Military Families

Posted by Melanie Kaye on December 13, 2011 at 5:50 PM EST

Dr. Jill Biden greets a student arriving at the Vice President’s Residence for a holiday party December 12, 2011. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

The mood was merry when Dr. Jill Biden hosted a fourth-grade class from White Oaks Elementary School in Burke, Virginia at the Vice President’s Residence on Monday, Dec. 12. The festive event focused on helping children understand the challenges faced by military families during the holiday season.

Dr. Biden talked to students about the importance of supporting classmates whose parents are serving in the military, particularly around the holidays. After describing her own experience as a military mom when her son, Army Major Beau Biden of the Delaware National Guard, was deployed in Iraq for a year, Dr. Biden introduced Army Colonel Rebecca Porter, who talked about the impact deployment has on military families.

Colonel Rebecca Porter talks to students about what it’s like to have a family member deployed and about what students can do to support military families December 12, 2011. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

The students then moved to the library where they heard from Major James Blain – the father of classmate Jimmy Blain – who is currently deployed in Afghanistan. Working with a program called United Through Reading, Major Blain read Mickey’s Christmas Carol to the class, via a pre-recorded DVD. Major Blain’s wife, Tina, brought their other three children – Josephine, Anna Mae and Matthew – to the event. Mrs Blaine said the recordings created through United Through Reading were an important way for families to stay in touch during deployments. When Major Blain appeared on screen, Matthew immediately called out, “Daddy! Daddy!”

Students listen to Major James Blain – the father of Jimmy Blain – read Mickey’s Christmas Carol. December 12, 2011. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

As part of its support for First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Biden’s Joining Forces Initiative, United Through Reading last week announced a pledge to double its commitment to U.S. Army and National Guard families in the next two years.

After the story, students made cards for military service members and enjoyed a surprise visit from Santa.

Through the American Red Cross’ Holiday Mail for Heroes program, students write cards for military service members December 12, 2011. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

Students from White Oaks Elementary School and Major Blain’s family take a picture with Santa, Dr. Jill Biden, Mrs. Patty Shinseki, Colonel Rebecca Porter and United Through Reading. December 12, 2011. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)
A White House Hanukkah Celebration

Posted by Matt Compton on December 9, 2011 at 3:55 PM EST

President Barack Obama, with First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden, delivers remarks at a Hanukkah reception in the Grand Foyer of the White House, Dec. 8, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

Officially, Hanukkah doesn't begin for another 11 days -- but last night, President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama decided to kick things off a little early with a celebration of the holiday at the White House.

They were joined by Vice President Biden and Dr. Jill Biden. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was in attendance, along with U.S. Ambassardor to Israel Michael Oren, the West Point Jewish Chapel Cadet Choir, and a large group of faith and community leaders.

Hanukkah, the President said, is "an opportunity to recognize the miracles in our own lives:"

Let’s honor the sacrifices our ancestors made so that we might be here today. Let’s think about those who are spending this holiday far away from home -– including members of our military who guard our freedom around the world. Let’s extend a hand to those who are in need, and allow the value of tikkun olam to guide our work this holiday season.

This is also a time to be grateful for our friendships, both with each other and between our nations. And that includes, of course, our unshakeable support and commitment to the security of the nation of Israel.

Watch.

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Dr. Biden Meets with ONE Mom Bloggers

Posted by Karen Richardson on November 16, 2011 at 11:40 AM EST

On Wednesday, October 25th, Mom Bloggers from the ONE campaign came to the White House to meet with Dr. Jill Biden, Dr. Rajiv Shah, Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and Gayle Smith, Special Assistant and Senior Director for Development and Democracy in the National Security Staff.

Bonded by their experiences from their recent trips to Africa, the participants spoke about the ongoing crisis in the Horn of Africa. Dr. Biden, who had recently travelled to Kenya with Administrator Shah and Smith, listened to the Mom Bloggers as they described their encounters with women and children in the troubled region. Dr. Shah highlighted specific issues and described what USAID has done to address some of these concerns. Smith urged the Mom Bloggers to continue to bring attention to the issue by talking about their experiences and helping Americans recognize that there are more commonalities than differences between us and those suffering in the Horn. For more information on the Crisis in the Horn of Africa, visit the USAID website to learn about the FWD Campaign.

Dr. Biden, Dr. Shah and Gayle Smith meet with Mom Bloggers in the Roosevelt Room, Oct. 25, 2011. (Photo by Ashita Ganguly)

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Honoring Our Nation’s Heroes

Posted by Dr. Jill Biden on November 15, 2011 at 10:39 AM EST

Vice President Joe Biden speaks at the unveiling of the Horse Soldier Statue at Winter Garden, in New York City, New York, November 11, 2011. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

Friday was a special day, as we paid tribute to our Nation’s Veterans. My husband Joe and I attended a Veterans Day parade in Media, Pennsylvania. That evening in New York, I was honored to attend the dedication of a statue created to commemorate the United States military’s response to the September 11, 2001 attacks. The 16-foot tall bronze statue entitled De Oppresso Liber (“to liberate the oppressed”) – the motto of the U.S. Army Special Forces – depicts a soldier on horseback in honor of the first Special Forces unit that rode into combat in the mountains of Afghanistan shortly after 9/11. Upon completion of the 9/11 Memorial, the statue will be permanently located at the World Trade Center site.

Our veterans and their families show us every day just what words like “strength” and “courage” mean. And these special operators are no exception. Joe and I met with several of them before the dedication ceremony. I was in awe of the group – many of whom have continued to serve. And as we chatted with them, I couldn’t help but think of their families too – and the fear their parents, spouses, and children must have felt watching them leave without knowing where they were going or when they would come home. I met one young woman in her early twenties who remembers her father leaving for Afghanistan for the first time in 2001. Since then, she has watched him leave for deployment countless times, and she has spent nearly half her life worrying about him. But like all military families I have met, she is fiercely proud of his service. Her father is her hero.

We must never forget the sacrifices of our troops and their families – at home and abroad. This statue serves as a reminder of the very first brave soldiers who rushed into harm’s way in response to the attacks on 9/11 – and of their families, to whom Afghanistan was a dangerous unknown. On Veterans Day and every day, it is our duty to show appreciation for the service of our military community and to remember that each of us has the ability to make a difference in the life of a military family.

Dr. Jill Biden is the Second Lady of the United States.
Dr. Jill Biden Addresses the 2011 PFLAG National Convention

Posted by Gautam Raghavan on November 4, 2011 at 4:47 PM EST

Earlier today, Dr. Jill Biden delivered a passionate and powerful address at the Opening Ceremony of the 2011 National Convention of Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG).

She began her remarks with an inspiring story:

I recently read an open letter written from a PFLAG father to America’s youth. He wrote, “My wife and I have two sons. We think that they are the best kids in the whole world. They’re very different, with very diverse personalities, talents, and interests. One of the other things that makes them different is that one is straight and one is gay. But the important thing is this: we love them equally.”

At its core – it’s such a simple message – “we love our sons” – both of them. But that acceptance and support can make all the difference.

And as you all know well – acceptance by those you love is the greatest acceptance of all.

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