EMAIL DETAILS

From: White House Press Office [mailto:noreply@messages.whitehouse.gov]
Sent: Wednesday, April 13, 2011 10:46 AM
To: Owens, Missy
Subject: FLOTUS SLOTUS Pool Report-#1


-----Original Message-----
From: Hope Hodge [mailto:hhodge@freedomenc.com]
Sent: Wednesday, April 13, 2011 10:32 AM
To: August, Hannah; McCormick-Lelyveld, Catherine M.; Stephens, Semonti M.
Cc: Rosholm, Joanna
Subject: Pool Report-#1

Behind the stands at the Field House and on the lectern, a royal blue poster shows the new logo for the "Joining Forces" military family initiative the first lady and Dr. Jill Biden rolled out at a press event yesterday. The logo shows a red, white and blue star with joined hands.
The VIP seating to the right of the stage is beginning to fill. Among special guests is Ed Salau, a local Iraq war vet and single amputee who participated in Operation Proper Exit and made a guest appearance on a special episode of the show Minute to Win It last year.
Camp Lejeune commander Daniel Lecce gives audience a pep talk prior to the first lady and Dr. Biden's appearance. "If she gives you guys a motivated 'Oorah,' you've got to give it back," he said.
Marine officials inform troops that they can move forward for photos after the event, but they should not expect to leave the premises quickly. "Expect delays," said Sgt. Maj. Grant VanOostrom, top enlisted Marine for Marine Corps Installations East.
Camp Lejeune commander Daniel Lecce gives audience a pep talk prior to the first lady and Dr. Biden's appearance. "If she gives you guys a motivated 'Oorah,' you've got to give it back," he said.
Military family members are filing onto bleachers behind the lectern. Speech to begin in 20 minutes.
Taking the stage prior to FLOTUS and Dr. Biden, Bob Eaves (husband of Gov. Bev Perdue), Sen. Kay Hagan, CG MCI East Maj. Gen. Carl Jensen.
Hagan said Lejeune is an appropriate stop on Joining Forces Tour because North Carolina is most military friendly state in the nation.
"Over 1/3 of NC's population is in the military, is a veteran, or has an immediate family member in the military."
Round of applause when she mentions support of the briefly suspended MyCAA spouse tuition assistance program.
FLOTUS takes stage casual, in calf-length cotton summer dress with horizontal red-and-white stripes and a pleated skirt under a white sweater with red embroidery on the front.
As promised, Dr. Biden starts with a hearty Oorah and the response is deafening.
Nods when she recalls visit to Lejeune and nearby community college last year.
Hearty standing ovation when FLOTUS stands to speak.
Reveals her favorite part-getting to hug the military kids "because they're all so cute!"
Speech very local, praises community for coming together to honor veterans of the 1983 Beirut tragedy and continuing to support troops and veterans since.

Hope Hodge
Military Reporter
Jacksonville Daily News
910-219-8453

-----

Unsubscribe<http://messages.whitehouse.gov/accounts/USEOPWHPO/subscriber/new?preferences=true>

The White House · 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW · Washington DC 20500 · 202-456-1111