First lady speaks on taking care of military families

USAF photo: Staff Sgt. Desiree N. Palacios First Lady Michelle Obama speaks to the crowd at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., Oct. 15 during a visit to the base. Obama spoke about family values and praised military members and their families during the speech.

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — The first lady today addressed a group of servicemembers and their families here on the importance of taking care of the military family.

During her short speech, Michelle Obama praised Air Force leadership for designating this the Year of the Air Force Family program adding it is also a priority of the White House and one of her personal top priorities.

“The president and I are grateful for your service,” she said, noting her special feelings for the military that takes care of her husband and family.

Obama told the crowd the White House is working hard to address the hardships military families and wounded warriors deal with each day. She also called upon the nation to do their part.

“At the least, each of us can do one little thing,” she said. “Say thank you.”

For one military spouse, the first lady’s speech was well received.

“She certainly said the right things regarding spouses that are left behind,” said Sharron Osborne. For her, the sacrifices of the military family were an almost instant reality when her husband, now retired Master Sgt. Kennith Osborne deployed two weeks after they got married.

Osborne said it felt good to hear the often forgotten military family was one of the first lady’s priorities.

“It’s great what the Air Force is doing,” she said. “Though there are some things that just can’t be replaced when the military member leaves."