By Clark Pierce, Naval Air Station Jacksonville Public AffairsJACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- The First Lady joined hundreds of military and civilian well wishers aboard Naval Air Station Jacksonville April 12, to celebrate the first anniversary of "Joining Forces."
First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden launched Joining Forces in 2011 to recognize, honor and serve military families.
The celebration took place in a Navy aircraft hangar and featured a rock 'n' roll band, Radio Disney Dancers, and a live feed to the Ellen DeGeneres Show.
"Today is a time for celebration, but it's also a time to renew the call to action for Joining Forces," said NAS Jax Commanding Officer Capt. Bob Sanders who welcomed the audience of high school students and parents. "The outpouring of support this past year for Joining Forces proves that Americans want to help our military families and lay a solid foundation of support for years to come."
Commander, Navy Region Southeast Rear Adm. Jack Scorby Jr. said, "It was just one year ago that first lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill biden created Joining Forces, with the important goal of bringing Americans together to recognize, honor and take action to support veterans and military families.
"The initiative focuses on three key priority areas - employment, education, and wellness - while raising awareness about the service, sacrifice and needs of America's veterans and military families.
"Today, the first lady of the United States is making a special trip to NAS Jacksonville so she can show her commitment to you and every other family member who's shared the sacrifices of their parents in service to our nation. Enjoy the show," said Scorby.
High school senior Maddie Stevens, daughter of Patrol Squadron (VP) 30 Commanding Officer Capt. Mark Stevens and his wife, Sheila, introduced the first lady.
"Like all of you here today, I'm so proud to be part of a military family," said Stevens. "We've all stepped up and served on the home front when our dads or moms have been away. Now, there's an initiative that recognizes our service as well. It's called 'Joining Forces' and is led by Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden. As a result, people all over America are stepping up to provide opportunities for military kids like us. That's why it's now my pleasure to introduce the woman leading that charge, America's first lady, Michelle Obama."
Amid screams and applause, Obama took command of the stage.
"I want to start by thanking Maddie for her poise - she's terrific," Obama said. "I also want to recognize all of the extraordinary men and women in uniform who are here today. Thank you for the service that you've given and the sacrifices that you've made.
"I also want to thank our guests of honor - these amazing, beautiful, well-dressed, well-put-together young women who we are celebrating today. We are inspired by you and grateful for everything that you do for our country. We're talking about our military kids and our military families, because we know that when your parents are called to serve, you all serve right alongside them.
"And I know it's even harder when your parents are deployed, and you have to keep your spirits up through all those missed holidays, and missed birthdays, and times when you would give anything in the world to have them back home.
"And for some of you, when it comes time for the prom, your mom might not be there to help you pick out your dress. Dad might not be there to see you out on your date. But here's something else that I know. Through it all - through all the moves that you've had to make and through all those difficult moments, you all have stayed strong. I've seen it in so many kids like you across this country.
"You all have risen to the challenge. You've become leaders in your schools. You excel in your classes. You get involved in all kinds of activities. You've become leaders in your communities, finding all kinds of ways to volunteer. And many of you stepped up at home as well, juggling activities and homework with chores and housework.
"By working so hard at school and at home, and doing your part, you give your parents the peace of mind they need to focus on their mission. With your service, you make their service possible. And for that, we can't thank you enough.
"As military kids, you have learned lessons and had experiences that many people don't have in their entire lifetimes. You've immersed yourselves in all kinds of communities and cultures. You've made friends with people from all different backgrounds. And you've gained the wisdom and the perspective to appreciate what really matters in life."
Obama then switched gears and asked the audience if they were ready for some fun.
"We have a special surprise guest that I'm proud to call a friend and who is a supporter and admirer of veterans and military families," she said.
She then introduced, via a live TV connection, stand-up comedian and syndicated talk show host Ellen DeGeneres. The two engaged in banter and showed their prom pictures to the delight of the audience.
DeGeneres interviewed three students about the Joining Forces initiative and then announced that JC Penney would provide all 300 students with a special prom-oriented gift bag, including a $250 gift card.
To wrap up the event, Obama joined students on stage to learn the latest prom dance moves from Disney Channel Choreographer Rosero McCoy. She then expressed her gratitude to the audience once again and descended from the stage to shake hands before departing.
For most of the young ladies it was an evening they will never forget.
"I think it was overwhelming and very exciting, and it was a great opportunity to be part of all this. I loved listening to Mrs. Obama and thrilled that she is bringing attention to the hardships military families face," said 16-year-old Jazarie Reddick, daughter of Ship's Serviceman Chief SW/AW) Jeffrey Reddick of Transient Personnel Unit/Pre-Trial Confinement Facility Jax, who accompanied her to the event.
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