Oak Harbor, Washington

Thank you, Samar. I’m so impressed by your work on everything from employment to health to childcare—and you’ve done it while pursuing your master’s degree. Like so many other military spouses, you seem to do it all.  

So, thank you for your dedication and service. Your leadership here at Whidbey is invaluable.  

And thank you to both you and Captain Arny, for giving me a tour today. I’m honored to be here. 

Whenever I have the chance to visit a naval base, it always makes me think of my dad.  

He was a Navy Signalman in World War II—and his service shaped so much of who he was.  

My dad was from a working-class family—the grandson of Italian immigrants and the son of a man who delivered furniture for a living. And thanks to his military service, and the GI Bill it earned him, he was able to go to business school in Philadelphia. He eventually became a bank manager, while my mother stayed at home to raise five daughters. 

That was my family’s American Dream—a life where military service meant educational opportunities.  

Where the proud daughter of a veteran could pursue her own dreams because her dad paved the way. 

Choosing to serve your nation—as a member of our armed forces or the families who serve alongside them—should be a pathway to opportunity.  

But we know that, too often, this community hits roadblocks along the way.  

In 2011, Michelle Obama and I decided to use our platform to support the military community.  

Together, we launched Joining Forces, a nationwide initiative to support our service members, veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors.  

We focused on employment, education, and wellness. And after the Obama-Biden Administration, I was able to continue that work through the Biden Foundation.    

Since then, I’ve met so many military families whose devotion to this country is unshakable.  

They sacrifice—moving again and again, changing careers and schools—so their loved ones can keep us safe. They are generous with their time and talents, often volunteering and giving back to their communities.  

Whether it’s changing jobs or a new school, parenting through a deployment, moving yet again, or saying goodbye to family and friends, military families just make it work. 

You know this life comes with challenges. But it shouldn’t be harder than it needs to be.  

Your Commander-In-Chief and I will continue to lift up your experience and rally the support that you deserve. 

That’s why am I here today: to hear from you and understand what’s on your mind.  

We want to know what challenges you face. What’s getting in your way?  

And just as importantly, we want to know what’s working at places like Whidbey.  

What has made your path a little clearer? And how can we bring these solutions to families across the country? The experiences and needs of military families constantly evolve and change.  

All those years ago, we certainly never imagined how a global pandemic might affect circumstances—ranging from access to child care, to having a safe place to live, to keeping food on your table, to building a career.  

The men and women of our armed forces can’t be at their best when they are worried that their families are struggling.  

That’s why this isn’t just a nice thing to do—it’s a national security imperative.  

Thank you for joining us today, and God Bless our troops.  

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