Dr. Jill Biden Visits Military Families in Okinawa, Japan

Dr. Jill Biden takes a photo with a group of Marines during a USO BBQ and military families day, at Kadena Air Base, in Okinawa, Japan, July 23, 2015. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

Today, Dr. Biden attended a summertime block party hosted by the USO on Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan — the last stop of her whirlwind trip through Asia. During her remarks to the crowd of Air Force, Marine, Army, and Navy families, Dr. Biden expressed her gratitude — and described the unique challenges these families sometimes face. With the war in Iraq over, and operations in Afghanistan coming to a close, Dr. Biden stressed the need for the American people to understand that our military families are still serving all around the world.

"With the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan winding down, it's easy for most Americans to forget that we still have men and women serving overseas, along with their families," Dr. Biden said. "No matter the challenge, all of you serve with honor and distinction."

At the event, Dr. Biden also presented the Presidential Volunteer Service Award to military spouse and USO volunteer Niki Reed. Niki, who has lived on Okinawa for the past two and a half years, has been an essential volunteer for the Kadena USO, often stepping up to help out with events, and volunteering nearly full-time to support the mission of the USO.

Rory Brosius is the Deputy Director of Joining Forces.