First Lady Michelle Obama & Dr. Jill Biden to America's Governors: Support Our Military Families

Earlier today, First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden spoke to the meeting of the National Governors' Association here at the White House about an issue important to both: military families. Over the past two years, Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden have traveled around the country and around the world, visiting with service members and their families, hearing their stories firsthand. Today, they called on America's Governors and all Americans to join their effort. 

"So we’re going to need your help," said First Lady Michelle Obama, "We’re going to need your support and encouragement to make this a reality.  We’re very excited about this initiative because we think that this will not only help our troops and their families, but it will help us as a nation link together and be even stronger."

Watch the President Live from Intel: 2:35EST, 11:35PST

Today the President is in Hillsboro, Oregon to visit the Intel campus, where he’ll get to see the world’s most advanced semiconductor manufacturing facility with Intel CEO Paul Otellini. The President will also learn more about Intel’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education programs and check out student demonstrations by Intel Science Talent Search finalists.

It’s a perfect demonstration of the importance of out-educating our competitors in order to win the future, and that’s what the President will talk about afterwards – watch the live stream here at 2:35PM EST, 11:35AM PST:

UPDATE: This event has now concluded, check WhiteHouse.gov/video later for the recording.

Keeping Military Families Close to Our Hearts

Every February, couples and families take a special day to share their commitment and affection on Valentine's Day. This year, I had the opportunity to spend my Valentine's Day with soldiers and military families to share my appreciation for all they do and to reaffirm the Administration’s commitment to support our service members and their families.

I traveled to Fort Stewart, Georgia, with Army Chief of Staff General George Casey and his wife Sheila. Fort Stewart is home to the Army's 3rd Infantry Division, and more than 5,000 soldiers from the base are deployed overseas. Visiting with the families was a great privilege, and the pride that each of them had in the service of their loved ones was plain to see.

For families, being apart on a day like today can be especially tough. Some of our service members in the Navy put together a special video of Valentine's messages from home to sailors, aviators, and Marines abroad.

I wanted to share it with you:

I hope that every American keeps in their thoughts and prayers the brave men and women of our armed forces and the families who eagerly await their safe return. Those families bear a heavy burden and bear it gladly, but it's our role as friends and neighbors to make sure they don't bear it alone.

As a military mom, I know how a simple act of kindness can make a difference.

Please take a minute to visit Serve.gov to find ways you can help support our military families.

--Jill

My Guests at Tonight’s State of the Union Address

Ed. Note: Tonight at 9 p.m. EST, the President delivers the State of the Union. Learn more about who’s in the First Lady’s box, our enhanced live stream presentation, opportunities to engage with Administration officials, or watch a new behind-the-scenes video.

I wrote yesterday about how proud I was to stand with the President and First Lady at the White House as we highlighted the efforts of the Federal government to support our nation’s military families. It was an honor to stand in the East Room and be surrounded by individuals who have dedicated themselves to serving our country. Today, I am particularly pleased to have two such special Americans join me as my guests at tonight’s State of the Union Address: Army Sergeant Brian Mast and his wife Brianna.

I met Brian and Brianna at one of my favorite events last year – the annual Thanksgiving dinner that my husband Joe and I host for wounded warriors and their families at the Vice President’s Residence. Joe and I are always filled with such gratitude for both the commitment and the enormous sacrifices made by the families who join us for this meal and at other events and meetings throughout the year. Families whose service to our country all too often goes unrecognized.
 
Last September, while Brianna was juggling the stresses of being a first-time mother with a deployed husband, Brian was seriously injured by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan -- losing both of his legs just below the knee and an index finger, while also suffering a broken arm and shrapnel wounds. Brianna moved from Michigan with her infant son, Magnum, to Walter Reed Army Medical Center to be by her husband’s side during his recovery. Day in and day out, Brianna has devoted herself to aiding her husband’s recovery while caring for their young son.