First Lady Announces 15,000 Jobs for Military Spouses

Posted by Brad Cooper on April 04, 2012 at 06:58 PM EST

Earlier today, I joined with First Lady Michelle Obama, to announce a major commitment by forward looking businesses that have launched an ambitious new effort to deliver more than 15,000 jobs to military spouses and veterans in the coming years. This new effort will help deliver jobs that are physically located near bases, as well as thousands of highly sought-after at-home employment opportunities to military families across the country. 

Military families are 10 times more likely to move across state lines than civilian families. Home based jobs are especially valuable for military families because they can move with military spouses as they relocate from base to base across the country, accommodate flexible work hours, enable spouses who care for children or elderly parents to work from home, and give home-bound veterans with disabilities new opportunities to have a fulfilling job. 

At home jobs with flexible work schedules can also lead to better work life balance, and extend job opportunities into communities often left behind. Military families will also benefit from the new job commitments being announced at nearly two-dozen physical contact centers located in close proximity to active military bases. These contact centers often support military families through: family-friendly scheduling, maintaining service accrual records, enabling the seamless transfer from one contact center to another in an event of a relocation, as well as extensive training and immense growth opportunities from agents to supervisors. 

These companies and their associated job opportunities will also be integrated into the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP), a Department of Defense-led effort with more than 100 companies in the private sector who have committed to a focused effort on military spouse employment. MSEP was launched by Dr Jill Biden last summer. 

Additional information specifics of the commitments can be found at: www.joiningforces.gov/commitments

See more about Economy, Veterans  

The White House

Office of the First Lady

For Immediate Release
April 04, 2012

Remarks by the First Lady at a Fisher House Easter Event

Maryland Fisher House IV
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
Bethesda, Maryland

2:02 P.M. EDT

MRS. OBAMA:  Hey!  (Applause.)  You guys, thank you so much.  It is always one of my favorite things to come visit Fisher House, and -- because this house is a home away from home to so many of our military families.  The work they do here is amazing.  Every single house that I have visited is just like this -- the level of quality, the level of comfort, the staff is always is amazing. 

But what I always say is that you all deserve this.  Our military families, our troops -- you all deserve this kind of high-level treatment for what you go through for this country, for what you sacrifice.  This should be the kind of place that welcomes you in times like these.  So we always are just thrilled to shine a light on the good work.

But I just didn't come to visit; I'm going to come around to tables.  But I come bearing treats:  I've got Easter cookies from the White House.  (Laughter.)

CHILD:  Yay!

MRS. OBAMA:  And I've got -- oh, this -- I'm going to put this here.  We've got some Easter cookies -- we've got enough for everybody to have an Easter cookie.  And I have a second surprise, which is I also brought tickets to the Easter egg roll for everybody here, on Monday.  (Applause.)  Easter egg roll tickets!  (Laughter.)

So you guys are all invited to the White House.  We've got -- yes, do you have a question?  (Laughter.)  Yes, it's very exciting.  We've got -- it's going to be so much fun.  And parents who are coming -- yes, people come to the White House dressed up, but the Easter egg roll is fun.  We've got hula-hooping, and we've got tennis, and we've got games.  So come ready to play, okay?  Come ready -- are you ready to play? 

And I have a final treat, which is I think the most important treat:  I brought one of my best friends in the whole world, my only son -- I brought with me today -- I brought Bo.  (Laughter.)

All right, so I'm going to come around.  Do you guys want to see Bo?

END
2:05 P.M. EDT

The White House

Office of the First Lady

For Immediate Release
April 04, 2012

First Lady Michelle Obama & Dr. Jill Biden to Celebrate First Anniversary of Joining Forces

April 11th and 12th visits include White House kick off; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Shreveport, Louisiana; and Jacksonville, Florida

WASHINGTON – On April 11, 2012, First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden will kick off a two-day tour celebrating the first anniversary of Joining Forces, their initiative to recognize, honor and serve military families. Since launching Joining Forces on April 12th, 2011, significant progress has been made to rally Americans around military families. Communities, businesses, schools, faith groups, non-profit organizations and individual Americans have made substantial commitments to show military families the support that they deserve. Through collaborative efforts with Joining Forces, these groups have helped thousands of veterans and military families find jobs, improved educational opportunities for military children, supported our nation’s wounded warriors and their caregivers, and honored our nation’s fallen. The Joining Forces two-day tour will highlight examples of organizations and companies that have made significant commitments to support military families.

First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden created Joining Forces to bring Americans together to recognize, honor and take action to support veterans and military families as they serve our country and throughout their lives. The initiative aims to educate, challenge, and spark action from all sectors of society to ensure veterans and military families have the support they have earned. The initiative focuses on key priority areas – employment, education, and wellness -- while raising awareness about the service, sacrifice, and needs of America’s veterans and military families. More information is available at: www.JoiningForces.gov.

The First Lady and Dr. Biden’s Joining Forces tour schedule is below:

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

White House * 11:00 AM ET * Anniversary Celebration

First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden will kick off a celebration for military families and organization leaders that have played key roles in supporting our nation’s troops, veterans and families. Finalists of the Joining Forces Community Challenge will be the celebration’s special guests. Late last year, Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden launched the Challenge to recognize and celebrate citizens, communities, and organizations who have demonstrated a deep commitment to service by improving the lives of military families and veterans. Hundreds of submissions were received and twenty finalists who found innovative ways to show their gratitude and support at the local level were chosen. These twenty finalists will travel from across the country to be honored at the White House. The finalists will be joined by the Challenge’s notable judges, Tom Brokaw – who will deliver opening remarks, J.R. Martinez, San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro, USO President Sloan Gibson and Deanie Dempsey, wife of General Martin Dempsey.

The Missouri Air National Guard's 571st Air Force Band “Sidewinder” will perform at the event. Last year, a fan’s video of the band performing at an airbase in Southwest Asia went viral on YouTube and garnered national attention.

University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia * 2:15 PM ET* Nurses Nationwide Join Forces to Support Veterans and Military Families

First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden will announce a major initiative by more than 150 of America’s leading nursing organizations and more than 450 nursing schools in 50 states and territories to ensure our nation’s nurses are prepared to help meet the unique health needs of service members, veterans, and their families.  Nursing leaders have committed to educating current and future nurses on how to recognize and care for those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and other combat-related issues. Collectively, this effort will reach over three million nurses in nearly every health care setting and every community in America. 

New York City * The Colbert Report

First Lady Michelle Obama will appear on The Colbert Report to discuss her Joining Forces initiative. Host Stephen Colbert has shown strong support for our troops, including bringing his show to Iraq, broadcasting special episodes to honor returning troops, performing at numerous USO events and getting a military-style hair cut to show his solidarity with those in uniform. Military families of troops deployed to Afghanistan will be a part of the audience.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Shreveport, Louisiana * 1:15 PM CT / 2:15 PM ET * Announcing Joining Forces’ 50,000th Hire

Last August, President Obama announced a series of policies to increase veterans’ employment and asked the First Lady and Dr. Biden to lead an effort through Joining Forces to challenge the private sector to hire or train 100,000 veterans and military spouses by the end of 2013. Well on track to exceed this goal, First Lady Michelle Obama will travel to Shreveport, Louisiana, to announce the 50,000th veteran or military spouse to have been hired by a company through the Joining Forces initiative. Mrs. Obama will visit the Kansas City Southern Railway Company, which has aggressively hired veterans in the last year because of the unique skill set that they bring to the job.

Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida * 6:00 PM ET * Honoring Young Women from Military Families

First Lady Michelle Obama will invite young women from military families to a celebration honoring their service to our nation as members of a military family. Mrs. Obama will deliver remarks to the high school junior and senior girls and their parents and reveal surprise guests who she invited for this special occasion.

Le Invitamos a Tomar un Tour Virtual de la Casa Blanca

Posted by ccurtis on April 03, 2012 at 05:04 PM EST

Desde el primer día del Presidente Obama en el cargo, cuando él y la Primera Dama sorprendieron y dieron la bienvenida a los visitantes que disfrutaban de un tour público de la Casa Blanca, los Obama se han centrado en abrir de verdad las puertas de la “Casa del pueblo” y hacer que la 1600 Avenida Pennsylvania sea más accesible para todos los estadounidenses.  Hoy, nos complace muchísimo iniciar una nueva etapa en este esfuerzo continuo, un tour en línea de 360 ​​grados de los salones públicos de la Casa Blanca.

“Miles de personas han recorrido las salas y contemplado las obras de arte. Han observado los retratos de Washington, Lincoln y Kennedy. Se han imaginado la historia que ha tenido lugar aquí. Y ahora usted puede hacer todo eso sin salir de casa. Así que adelante, mire a su alrededor, disfrute de la historia y la belleza de estos salones. Porque después de todo, esta es su casa también”, dijo la Primera Dama en un video anunciando la participación de la Casa Blanca en el proyecto de arte Art Project, que utiliza la tecnología de Google Street View para permitir a los visitantes navegar por las habitaciones en la planta baja y el Piso de Estado (primer piso), y ver las obras de arte y el mobiliario en alta resolución.

Usted puede comenzar a explorar hoy mismo

 

A New Way to Tour the White House

April 03, 2012 | 1:27

In their continuing effort to make the White House more accessible, President Obama and the First Lady have teamed up with the Google Art Project. People all over the world can now take a 360-degree tour of the White House's public rooms. The White House is the only building in the world that is simultaneously the home of a head of state, the executive office of a head of state, and is regularly open to the public for tours.

Download mp4 (35MB)

You're Invited To Take a Virtual Tour of the White House

Colleen Curtis
Colleen Curtis
April 03, 2012
01:01 AM EST

Since President Obama's first day in office, when he and the First Lady surprised and welcomed visitors enjoying the public tour of the White House, the Obamas have been focused on truly opening the doors of the "People's House" and making 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue more accessible to all Americans. Today, we are excited to roll out a new phase in this ongoing effort, an online 360 degree tour of the public rooms of the White House.

“Thousands of people have walked these halls and gazed at the artwork. They’ve examined the portraits of Washington, Lincoln, and Kennedy. They’ve imagined the history that’s unfolded here. And now you can do all of that without leaving your home. So go ahead, look around, enjoy the history and the beauty of these rooms. Because after all, this is your house, too,” said the First Lady in a video announcing the White House's participation in the Art Project, which uses Google's Street View technology to enable visitors to navigate through the rooms on the ground and State floors, and view the art and furnishings in high resolution.

You can start exploring today.

Related Topics: Education

The White House

Office of the First Lady

For Immediate Release
April 03, 2012

President and Mrs. Obama Team Up with Google Art Project to Continue Making the White House More Accessible

Users will be able to take an at-home 360-degree tour of the White House’s public rooms at www.GoogleArtProject.com

Washington – The White House today announced the latest step in President and Mrs. Obama’s efforts to truly make 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue “The People’s House”, by working with Google Art Project to create a virtual 360-degree tour of the White House’s public rooms.  Since the President’s inauguration – when he and Mrs. Obama surprised guests attending public tours – the Obamas have worked to make the White House more open and accessible. Over three years later, approximately 2.5 million visitors have walked through the gates of The People’s House, including Residence tourists, guests at the annual White House Easter Egg Roll events, Fall and Spring Garden Tours, guests at State or Official Arrival Ceremonies and White House Kitchen Garden school group tours.  Now through the Google Art Project, millions more will be able to virtually visit the White House.

“The White House isn’t simply a home to First Families or meeting space for world leaders, it’s also known as ‘The People’s House,’ a place that should be open to everyone. And that’s why we’ve made it a priority to invite young people, military families, and Americans of all ages to join us here at the White House,” Mrs. Obama says in a video welcoming digital users to explore the White House via the Google Art Project . “Thousands of people have walked these halls and gazed at the artwork.  They’ve examined the portraits of Washington, Lincoln, and Kennedy.  They’ve imagined the history that’s unfolded here. And now you can do all of that without leaving your home. So go ahead, look around, enjoy the history and the beauty of these rooms.  Because after all, this is your house, too.”

The Google Art Project, which launched in February 2011, uses Google technology to allow users to view museum objects in high resolution and explore institutions through Google Street View. The new White House tour is part of a global expansion of the Google Art Project – today Google announced the project has new partnerships with 29 partners in 16 cities across the country.

The White House is the only building in the world that is simultaneously the home of a head of state, the executive office of a head of state, and is regularly open to the public for tours. For information and instructions on applying for a White House visit, please go to: http://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/about/tours-and-events/

First Lady Michelle Obama Commissions the USCGC Stratton

Matt Compton
Matt Compton
April 02, 2012
10:42 AM EST
First Lady Michelle Obama arrives at the ceremony to commission the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton (April 1, 2012)

First Lady Michelle Obama is escorted to the stage by Sr. Chief David Stephens at the start of a ceremony to commission the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton at Alameda Coast Guard Station in Alameda, Calif., March 31, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Sonya N. Hebert)

On Saturday, the U.S. Coast Guard commissioned its newest cutter -- the USCGC Stratton. First Lady Michelle Obama is the ship's sponsor. Nearly two years ago, she christened the Stratton by breaking a bottle of champagne against its hull, and this weekend, she was on hand for the ceremony to mark the start of the ship's service.

The cutter is named after Captain Dorothy Stratton -- the first woman to serve in women's reserve of the Coast Guard in World War II. A former professor at Purdue University, she organized the reserve and gave the group its nickname -- SPARs, a combination of the Coast Guard motto, "Semper Paratus" and its English translation, "Always Ready."

More than 40 veterans of the SPARs were on hand for this weekend's ceremony, and in recognizing their service, the First Lady said, "These women are heroes.  They served this country so bravely, and broke so many barriers. They paved the way for generations of women who came after them, and they helped build a world where young women all across America -- young women like my daughters -- to know that they can become anything they can imagine, even an admiral."

First Lady Michelle Obama at the ceremony to commission the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton (April 1, 2012)

First Lady Michelle Obama listens as U.S. Coast Guard Admiral Robert Papp delivers remarks during a ceremony to commission the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton at Alameda Coast Guard Station in Alameda, Calif., March 31, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Sonya N. Hebert)

The USCGC Stratton will begin patrols in the Pacific later this month. For more information, check out this blog post from the U.S. Coast Guard.

Related Topics: Veterans, Women, California

The White House

Office of the First Lady

For Immediate Release
March 31, 2012

Remarks by the First Lady at the Kids Choice Awards

Galen Center
Los Angeles, California

5:50 P.M. PST
 
MRS. OBAMA:  Hello everyone!  (Applause.)  I am so thrilled to be here with all of you tonight.
 
I'm here because I have always felt an obligation to give back; to lift up others the way that my parents, my teachers and mentors lifted me.  And that’s something that our next honoree believes too.  And it's not just something she talks about, it's how she lives her life.
 
Taylor Swift may be in the news -- (applause) -- for the award-winning songs and multiplatinum records, but every step of the way she has always made it a point to give back.  (Applause.)  She's supported children's charities, she's worked to combat bullying, and given over tens of thousands of books to schools and libraries all around the country.  (Applause.) 
 
She's given so much of her own money to victims of floods and natural disasters here in the U.S. and around the world.  And last year, after deadly tornadoes hit the south, Taylor knew she had to do something about it.  (Applause.)  So she opened up her last dress rehearsal before she went on tour and gave all the proceeds to tornado victims.  And here is how it happened.
 
MRS. OBAMA:  So tonight, it is my great privilege to present Nickelodeon's Big Help Award to someone who has rocketed to the top of the music industry, but still keeps her feet on the ground; someone who has shattered every expectation of what a 22 year old can accomplish, and someone who is going to keep making sparks fly for all of us in the years ahead.
 
Let's all give it up for the one and only Taylor Swift!
 
END
5:55 P.M. PST

The White House

Office of the First Lady

For Immediate Release
March 31, 2012

Remarks by the First Lady at Coast Guard Cutter Ceremony

Alameda Coast Guard Station
Alameda, California

10:26 A.M. PST
 
MRS. OBAMA:  Hooray!  (Applause.)  Rest.  Goodness.  This is very exciting. 
 
Good morning, everyone. 
 
AUDIENCE:  Good morning!
 
MRS. OBAMA:  Oh, you all are troopers.  (Laughter.)  Way to go.  I'm proud of you all for making it through this day.  This is very exciting.
 
I want to thank Captain Cashin for that introduction and for his leadership of this crew.  I also want to thank Admiral Papp and his wonderful wife Linda, Mayor Gilmore, Mayor Quan, Representative Lee, and all of the military officials, elected leaders, and distinguished guests here with us today.
 
We also have many members of the Stratton family here today, some of whom I had a chance to meet at the christening in Pascagoula.  That was fun, it's good to see you all again.  We were a little dryer then, but it's okay.  You still look great.  (Laughter.)
 
And of course, I want to thank all of the members of the Coast Guard, and all of their military -- all the military families who are here with us today.  Please know that you all inspire me every single day with your strength, with your courage, with the sacrifices you make on behalf of our nation.  No matter what this country asks of you, you always step up to answer the call -- always.
 
So it is fitting that all of you are here today, because it is that ethic of service that defined the life of this cutter's namesake -- Captain Dorothy Stratton.  And today, we commission this ship as a tribute not just to Dorothy, but to all the women who served with her.  And we are honored that more than 40 former SPARS have joined us here for this ceremony.
 
These women are heroes -- absolutely.  (Applause.)  These women are heroes.  They served this country so bravely, and broke so many barriers.  They paved the way for generations of women who came after them, and they helped build a world where young women all across America -- young women like my daughters -- to know that they can become anything they can imagine, even an admiral. 
 
So to all of the SPARS here today, to all those who couldn’t make it to the ceremony, and to all of the families whose memory we honor, I want you all to know that your legacy lives on in this ship and in this incredible crew.  This cutter will travel great distances to protect our shores and enforce national and international security.  And this crew will soon add its own entry into the proud history of the United States Coast Guard.
 
True to your motto, the Coast Guard is always ready -- always ready -- securing our ports, responding to national -- natural disasters, intercepting vast shipments of illegal drugs before they reach our streets and our schools, and serving all around the country and the world, including Afghanistan.  And I know that the Coast Guard is backed by a proud force of brave individuals who serve this country right alongside them, and those are the Coast Guard families.
 
To all of the family members here today, I know that service in the Coast Guard takes your mom or dad or your husband or wife out to sea and away from you.  And I know that it means that you're taking on new responsibilities at home; that you're wishing that mom or dad was at your soccer games or the dance recital.  And, yes, you are dealing with those worries about your loved ones' safety.
 
So my message to you today is this:  You are never alone.  You are never alone.  People like me, my husband, and, believe me, millions of Americans know about your service.  We are inspired by your sacrifice, and we want to do everything we can to honor your contributions to this country.  And that is something that I've seen every single day through our Joining Forces initiative. 
 
It's important for you to know that people and communities and businesses are stepping up.  They are stepping in meaningful ways -- meaningful, concrete ways to recognize your service.  And know that we will keep stepping up again and again until you feel all the love and support that you deserve. 
 
So to the crew of this magnificent cutter, I want you to know that we will be looking out for your families while you're gone.  And again, I want you to know how proud we are of all of you.  Like those heroes from past generations, you heard our country's call, and you stood up to answer.  And I know you've been preparing for a long time for this mission.  And I have no doubt that you will carry on the proud Coast Guard tradition and serve our country with honor and distinction.
 
So thank you.  Thank you for your courage, your dedication to this great nation.  Thank you to the military families who serve by your side.  And of course, thank you to the SPARS whose service has made us all so proud. 
 
God bless you all.  God bless the Coast Guard.  And God bless the United States of America.  Semper Paratus.  (Applause.)
 
END
10:31 A.M. PST