First Lady Melania Trump and Second Lady Usha Vance joined forces again to bring an early dose of Thanksgiving warmth to military families.
The pair visited Fort Rucker, an Army installation in Alabama, after making their first joint appearance of President Donald Trump’s second term at a Marine base last year.
Their outreach to military families follows the example set by the Joining Forces initiative, created by former First Lady Michelle Obama and then-Second Lady Dr. Jill Biden. Biden continued the program during her time as first lady under President Joe Biden.
Wearing an Army-green jacket, Trump thanked the families supporting the nation’s service members.
‘I want to take a moment to say thank you to one very important group of people: the families of America’s military,’ the First Lady said. ‘Your role is profound.’
‘While your loved ones are deployed, it is up to you to keep your family strong, keep your children safe and keep your homes full of love,’ she added. ‘This is a big responsibility.’
Trump also urged Americans to remember the sacrifices made by military families as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches.
‘To every American watching us today, in a few weeks, you will be sitting around your Thanksgiving table in the warmth of your own home, surrounded by your loved ones, sharing a wonderful meal and perhaps enjoying a football game on television,’ she said.
‘Take a moment to think of America’s service people and the families with an open seat at their Thanksgiving table,’ she continued. ‘Those families are just as important in maintaining America’s elite status and in protecting our freedom.’
First Lady Melania Trump urged Americans to recognize the sacrifices of military families during her Thursday appearance at Alabama’s Fort Rucker ahead of Thanksgiving
First Lady Melania Trump departs for Fort Rucker in Alabama on Thursday, where she addressed military families alongside Second Lady Usha Vance before the Thanksgiving holiday
Second Lady Usha Vance, left, and First Lady Melania Trump arrive in Dothan, Alabama, for their joint appearance with military families at Fort Rucker
Second Lady Usha Vance introduces First Lady Melania Trump during Thursday’s event at Fort Rucker in Alabama
Vance introduced Trump, describing her as a ‘wonderful travel companion, which goes without saying.’
She highlighted Trump’s work on behalf of children, including initiatives created during her time in the White House.
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Trump launched the ‘Be Best’ initiative during the President’s first term. Through its Fostering the Future and Fostering the Future Together programs, she has focused on improving the lives of young people in foster care and helping children navigate emerging technologies.
‘And I know that the First Lady shares my passion for giving children every opportunity to thrive, a cause she has made the central mission of her public life, and that inspires me every day,’ Vance said.
Vance also praised Trump as a ‘powerful voice for peace,’ pointing to her efforts to help secure a mini-ceasefire in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian city of Oleshky and reunite Ukrainian children with their families.
Last week, Trump hosted Ukrainian and Russian representatives at the White House as she pressed for progress toward a wider peace agreement.
At Fort Rucker, however, the focus was firmly on the children and parents coping with the absence of deployed service members.
‘I know each of you has those quiet moments when you are on your own and you wish your loved one was home to help with homework, to be there to celebrate that winning touchdown, the birthdays, and, of course … bedtime,’ Trump said.
First Lady Melania Trump is escorted from a helicopter after arriving at Fort Rucker in Alabama with Second Lady Usha Vance
First Lady Melania Trump, right, takes a selfie during Thursday’s event at Fort Rucker in Alabama
First Lady Melania Trump waves to the crowd as she arrives at Fort Rucker, an Army base near Dothan, Alabama
‘The sacrifices of military families don’t make the headlines, but you are the foundation of the world’s most capable military,’ Trump told the audience.
‘Visiting military bases is special to me,’ she added.
The two women received enthusiastic cheers from the crowd throughout the visit.
Following their remarks, Trump and Vance visited Ellis D. Parker Elementary School, located on the base roughly 20 miles from Dothan, Alabama.
According to the First Lady’s office, they spent time with kindergarten and first-grade students.
