After pointed stops in Tuscon, Arizona, and Reno, Nevada, United States First Lady Dr. Jill Biden extended her cross-country trip Wednesday evening— spending intimate time with more than 100 military family members at a barbecue dinner in Fort Campbell’s Passenger Processing Center.
Organized by the Armed Services YMCA — a long-standing partner of her White House initiative and military family support arm, “Joining Forces” — Biden noted that with tensions rising quickly between Ukraine and Russia, she wanted to check on Fort Campbell, who saw their loved ones deployed to NATO allies for tactical and humanitarian relief.
Making her third-ever trip to Fort Campbell, Biden said it was difficult to watch the news — trying to grasp and fathom Russia’s next move.
As she flew into Fort Campbell late Wednesday and stood in the PPC, the First Lady said she noticed the division slogan: “If you want it done, send the 101.”
So quickly that was applied in this crisis, and Biden described this scenario as holding Russian President Vladimir Putin and his actions “accountable” — especially with the 101st’s help.
With several mothers and their children in the 100-plus audience, Biden expressed her understanding of quick family turnarounds.
Because as America’s militaristic “first responders,” planned deployments aren’t as common. They can happen at any moment, and at any time.
Through her initiative, the First Lady made mention and acknowledged the need for improved child care, improved school systems and improved spousal employment opportunities in the country’s military installations — with Fort Campbell as no exception to this concern.
She added that military families remain a top priority within the walls of the White House.
Biden spent more than two hours visiting table to table alongside Kentucky’s First Lady Britainy Beshear, Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman, Commanding General of the 101st Airborne JP McGee, Command Sergeant Major of the 101st Airborne Veronica Knapp, and Mrs. Debra Lubas…wife of Deputy Commanding Officer of the 101st Airborne Col. John Lubas.
The First Lady was introduced by Fort Campbell junior Justice Bryant, who also competes for the school’s wrestling, archery and golf teams — as well as runs an organized Bible study with 40 of her peers and keeps strong marks in the classroom.
Many Fort Campbell soldiers remain on “high alert” at this time, with a second division training density termed as “Lethal Eagle II” set for April 22 through May 13.
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