Joining Forces Blog

  • First Lady to the Clinton Global Initiative: Harness the Potential of Veterans and Military Families

    Posted by Kori Schulman on September 24, 2010 at 1:26 PM EDT

    Yesterday, First Lady Michelle Obama addressed the closing session of the Clinton Global Initiative Annual meeting. She discussed an issue near and dear to her heart as First Lady, and that is the challenges faced by America’s veterans and military families, particularly as they transition to civilian life.

    Read the Transcript  |  Download Video: mp4 (315MB) | mp3 (30MB)

    Established in 2005 by President Bill Clinton, the Clinton Global Initiative convenes global leaders to devise and implement innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. These CGI members have made commitments valued at $57 billion, bringing hope and opportunity to more than 200 million people around the world.This year, commitments were announced to support the long-term recovery of the Gulf Coast.

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  • Supporting Our Military Families

    Posted by Kori Schulman on July 4, 2010 at 9:00 AM EDT

    This Independence Day, First Lady Michelle Obama has a special message for all Americans about supporting our military families:

    Download Video: mp4 (17MB) | ()

    The First Lady is asking 100 percent of Americans to support the brave men and women in uniform and their families back home. Here are some things you can do in your community to get started:

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    Learn more about Defense, Service, Veterans, Working Families, Additional Issues

  • The First Lady Thanks Military Families: "You Take Care of America"

    Posted by Jesse Lee on January 26, 2010 at 8:35 PM EDT

    Read the Transcript  |  Download Video: mp4 (332MB) | mp3 (24MB)

    This afternoon, First Lady Michelle Obama spoke to the Joint Armed Forces Officers Wives Club, highlighting military families’ remarkable strength and unyielding support. She reflected on the roundtable discussions she and Dr. Jill Biden held with military spouses that provided guidance for developing initiatives for President Obama's 2011 budget.

    The First Lady and Officers' Wives, Standing

    First Lady Michelle Obama attends the Joint Armed Forces Officers' Wives' Luncheon at Bolling Air Force Base January 26, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton)

    She discussed new support for military spouses and children to be included in the upcoming budget:

    • Increasing funds for military family support programs
    • Reducing shortages in military child care
    • Increasing funds for youth programs for military children
    • Increasing funds for spousal career development
    • New funding for quality Coast Guard housing

    The First Lady called for Americans to support military families and thanked the spouses and children for their service to their communities. "You put your own priorities aside. You take care of one another. You take care of America. And as First Lady, I can’t thank you all enough and I promise you that I will use every ounce of my being to make sure that America always takes care of you."

    The First Lady and Officers' Wives, Applauding

    First Lady Michelle Obama attends the Joint Armed Forces Officers' Wives' Luncheon at Bolling Air Force Base January 26, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton)