First, Second Ladies Visit Military Installations in North Carolina

Nov. 21, 2025 | By Marine Corps 1st Lt. Kathryn Wisniewski, Marine Corps Installations East |

In a mutual demonstration of support and appreciation, First Lady Melania Trump and Second Lady Usha Vance visited Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station New River in North Carolina, Nov. 19, engaging with service members, military families and students at Department of Defense Education Activity schools on both installations. 

This landmark visit marked the first joint trip to both installations for both ladies, underscoring their commitment to the military community. 

With a shared goal of acknowledging the sacrifices made by those serving or deployed this holiday season, the visit provided an invaluable opportunity for both women to connect with service members and families. 

Upon arrival at the airport in Richlands, North Carolina, Trump and Vance were greeted by Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Ralph J. Rizzo, Jr., commanding general of Marine Corps Installations East-MCB Camp Lejeune; his wife, Mila Rizzo; and Lisa Worth, wife of Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Calvert Worth, commanding general of the II Marine Expeditionary Force. 

Rizzo spoke about the significance of the visit, emphasizing the attention it gave to the military community. 

"It is deeply meaningful to welcome the first and second ladies who have come here to express gratitude to our installation, to our Marine Corps, to our Marines, sailors and their families," he said. "This visit shines an important light on the strength of our Marines and sailors and especially on the resilience of our military families." 

Trump and Vance first visited Lejeune High School, where they discussed with students how artificial intelligence is being used in school projects. Trump launched the Nationwide Presidential AI Challenge in August, inviting K-12 students and educators across America to participate, noting the challenge will prepare the next generation with a base understanding of this important new technology.

Later, they joined students and volunteers from the USO to build care packages for deployed service members with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit. 

The party then transitioned to MCAS New River to visit DeLalio Elementary School, where the women joined students and families of deployed service members to create Thanksgiving crafts. 

Finally, Trump and Vance each took turns addressing an audience of about 1,500 service members and families in a mega hangar, surrounded by various aircraft and assets that comprise the Carolina Marine Air-Ground Task Force. After a brief introduction by Rizzo, Vance told the attendees, "We are so grateful to you for carrying on the Marine Corps' proud traditions of duty, honor and service."

She went on to praise the local military community. 

"I am so impressed by your commitment to building strong communities and schools," Vance said. "Military families are truly the model for our country and for my own family." 

Vance then welcomed Trump on stage. 
 
Trump's speech centered on the transformative potential of AI and its pivotal role in the future of warfare. 

Referencing her earlier interactions with students at Lejeune High School, she said, "To win the AI war, we must train our next generation, for it's America's students who will lead the Marine Corps in the future." 

The first lady also took the opportunity to recognize exceptional service, presenting Marine Corps Sgt. Blake Donoher, an aircraft avionics technician assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365, as the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit Warrior of the Month and Marine Corps Cpl. Daishamari Cannon, an aviation maintenance data specialist assigned to the same squadron, as the unit Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter. 

She then turned her focus on those in the audience, especially those with loved ones currently deployed. 

"The [Camp] Lejeune and [MCAS] New River community impressed me today," she said, adding, "Military families are the quiet strength of our nation; your love, patience and courage give our service members the confidence to serve with honor and the comfort of knowing home is always waiting." 

In a final expression of gratitude, the first lady conveyed her appreciation for the opportunity to experience the dedication and commitment firsthand. 

"It has been a memorable day and an honor to meet the men and women of the United States Marine Corps," Trump said. "To you and your families who give so much for our country, thank you." 

Law Allows VA Health Benefits for Camp Lejeune Water Victims

By Lisa Daniel

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 6, 2012 – President Barack Obama today signed into law a bill enabling the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide health benefits to veterans and families diagnosed with diseases related to water contamination at Camp Lejeune, N.C.

“I think all Americans feel we have a moral, sacred duty toward our men and women in uniform,” Obama said before signing the "Honoring America's Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012" in the Oval Office. The law covers those with conditions linked to water contamination that occurred on Camp Lejeune between 1957 and 1987.

“They protect our freedom, and it’s our obligation to do right by them,” he said. “This bill takes another important step in fulfilling that commitment.”

The president was joined at the signing by Jerry Ensminger, a retired Marine Corps master sergeant who served at Camp Lejeune and advocated on behalf of affected veterans and families. The first title of the law was named after his daughter, Janey, who died of leukemia at age 9. Mike Partain also attended. The son and grandson of Marine officers, Partain was born at Camp Lejeune and developed breast cancer at age 39. He serves as a community representative for the Agency of Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.

“This bill ends a decade-long struggle for those who serve at Camp Lejeune,” Obama said. “Some of the veterans and their families who were based in Camp Lejeune in the years when the water was contaminated will now have access to extended medical care. And, sadly, this act alone will not bring back those we’ve lost, including Jane Ensminger, but it will honor their memory by making a real difference for those who are still suffering.”

The bill has several other provisions to improve VA health care coverage, housing, education and burial benefits, White House officials said. An initiative on preventing homelessness among veterans renews VA’s authority to work with community organizations and make use of previously underutilized VA properties, they said.

“It is going to have an immediate impact,” Obama said. “It is going to improve access to health care, streamline services in the VA, and it expands support for veterans who are homeless.”

The law also restricts protests at military funerals by prohibiting demonstrations from within 300 feet for two hours before and after services. “I am very pleased to be signing this bill into law,” the president said. “The graves of our veterans are hallowed ground. And, obviously, we all defend our Constitution and the First Amendment and free speech, but we also believe that when men and women die in the service of their country and are laid to rest, it should be done with the utmost honor and respect.”

World War II African-American Marines Receive Congressional Gold Medal

By Terri Moon Cronk

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, June 28, 2012 – A group of African-American Marines who broke the Marine Corps’ color barrier during World War II received the Congressional Gold Medal at a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol yesterday.

The medal is the nation’s highest civilian award given by Congress. The “Montford Point Marines” received the award for serving with valor during the war, even as they were subjected to discrimination.

In 1942, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt allowed African-Americans to join the Marine Corps, they were not sent to the traditional boot camps. Instead, this group of Marines was segregated and completed basic training at Montford Point on Camp Lejeune, N.C.

“African-Americans were not allowed to serve in any wars until World War II in 1942,” said William McDowell, a former Montford Point Marine who accepted the medal on behalf of his fellow Marines and family members in Emancipation Hall at the Capitol. “Unfortunately it took a world war to make it happen, but it happened. I don’t think any of us ever imagined that something like this would ever happen in our lifetime.”

McDowell said it was a “privilege and an honor to stand before [the audience] and receive the Congressional Gold Medal for [them] and 18,700 other brothers who served this nation and the corps, with courage and commitment. This award belongs to them because collectively, [we] did what we thought was impossible … [and] made history.”

Several congressional leaders also addressed the audience. California Rep. Nancy Pelosi, House minority leader, spoke of the Montford Point Marines’ toughness and determination.

“In the time of these Marines – in an age of inequality – breaking the color barrier in the Marine Corps took nothing less than perseverance, patriotism and courage of extraordinary proportions,” she said.

Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell, Senate minority leader, noted that many of the Montfort Marines seized the opportunity to defend their country in combat.

“Restricted to training for support roles, African-American Marines had to wait for their chance to prove themselves on the battlefield. But the chance finally came in the Pacific Theater, where many saw combat in some of the bloodiest battles of World War II, including Iwo Jima, Saipan and Okinawa, and carried out their duties with great courage and heroism,” he said.

Nevada Sen. Harry Reid, Senate majority leader, told the audience that while the African-American Marines fought for the rights of others overseas, the injustice of discrimination still prevailed on their home fronts.

“They were trained to fight injustice overseas; meanwhile, they suffered discrimination every day,” he said. “They were trained to fight tyranny abroad, while their friends and family suffered oppression here at home … Although they were assigned support roles in the Pacific Theater, many had the chance to prove themselves in battle as well … Some cleaned up the ash after the bomb was dropped over Nagasaki.”

House Speaker Rep. John Boehner of Ohio said African-Americans gained respect as full-fledged Marines.

“Letting [African-Americans] serve in the Marine Corps was called an experiment … which didn’t last very long,” Boehner said. “Toward the end of the war, the Marine Corps commandant said the experiment was over, [and] that the men who trained at Montford Point were ‘Marines, period.’”

Face of Defense: Marine Bonds With Son Through Martial Arts

By Marine Corps Cpl. Bruno J. Begg

2nd Marine Logistics Group

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C., June 27, 2012 – Finding the time to bond with your kids can be challenging in the highly demanding life of a Marine.

But Marine Corps Sgt. James W. Bridger, a combat engineer with 2nd Marine Logistics Group’s 8th Engineer Support Battalion and a member of the Lejeune Grappling Team since September 2011, bonds with his eldest son, Christian, through martial arts.

“It started by just coming home and watching [Ultimate Fighting Championship] fights on TV with my son,” Bridger said. “Eventually it came around to where I would come back home and he would be in the room at 3 years old watching the fights by himself.”

Bridger realized his son’s desire to do martial arts was the perfect opportunity to improve their relationship.

“I started to introduce him to martial arts with the [Marine Corps Martial Arts Program],” Bridger explained. “He would watch as I would bring friends over to the house to teach them and train them. … He always wanted to participate.

“He loved training with the pugil sticks and batons,” he added. “I taught him the stuff I knew, and I trained him myself for a while.”

Due to family issues and the needs of the Marine Corps, however, Bridger and his son have been away from each other for more than a year.

“I entered him in a [martial arts academy] up in Virginia, where he lives,” he added. “I knew I couldn’t spend time with him every day, and I did not want him to lose his interest for the sport, so I signed him up.”

Although Christian has been attending the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy for nearly a year, he had never competed until June 23. A North American Grappling Association tournament not only gave him his first opportunity to compete, but also gave him the chance to see his father participate during the same event.

“Seeing my son fight and winning was priceless,” Bridger said. “To see him grow into the sport from the beginning, to be able to be there for his first official competition, was great.” Christian competed in two categories, and he finished first in one and third in the other.

While supporting his son in learning a martial art for three years, Bridger said, he also has taught him the self-discipline involved.

“This sport is very humbling,” he said. “You might be with your best friend and he could make you tap out, so this martial art really teaches you how to be modest.”

Bridger said he will continue to support his son in anything he wants to do.

“Ultimately, what I want for my son is to be happy doing whatever sport he wants to do,” he said. “I am just very lucky that he likes the same thing as me, but I will support him and teach him to be the best he can be.”

Face of Defense: Marine Earns Top-Shooter Status

By Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Paul Peterson

U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C., April 23, 2012 – Gunnery Sgt. Joshua A. Peterson is one of the few riflemen to earn a coveted place on the Marine Corps Shooting Team, where the time-honored art of marksmanship is a full-time job.

Peterson recently earned top-shooter status at the Eastern Division Match Championship held here, dropping only 12 points out of a possible 600.

Peterson said he was no stranger to firearms growing up in Wisconsin.

“I grew up shooting with my dad,” Peterson said. “I learned on iron sights as a kid and he wouldn’t let me shoot with scopes or anything like that until I was proficient.”

Peterson says the examples his family set helped him to become the Marine he is today.

“I’ve done a lot of things in my life that probably haven’t been the greatest, but you always have to deal with those and take that right step forward,” he said. “Character just comes from my family. My mother and father always pushed [me] to do the right things and do the best I can and the best with what you’ve got. I give a lot of credit to both of them.”

Peterson said his work on the Marine Corps Shooting Team helps to spread the art of shooting across the Marine Corps community. In his spare time, he also coaches the local West Potomac High School air rifle team.

“The [Marine Corps] shooting team keeps us on a pretty busy schedule,” said Master Sgt. Gregory T. Schardein, the team’s staff noncommissioned officer in charge and an accomplished shooter himself. “I know [Peterson] likes to ride [motorcycles], but what little time he does have he’s coaching the high school shooting team.”

It’s not the kind of activity one might expect upon meeting Peterson, a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom with a Bronze Star medal for valor, though he’d never bring it up in an interview. He’s not a man to revel in his own accomplishments, nor does he ever stop pushing to do better.

Peterson enlisted in 1997. In 1998, his feet graced the same yellow footprints that greet the future of the Marine Corps today at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego. He considers himself fortunate.

“I have had the opportunity to serve with some of the best Marines that have come into the history of the Marine Corps,” said Peterson, as he patiently waited for his turn on the pistol range here.

A stoic with a quiet but sincere passion for shooting, Peterson’s solid frame, shaven head and strong gaze say more than words about his character. His teammates describe him as a dangerous threat to the enemy with a weapon in his hand.

Schardein describes Peterson as a natural leader and the kind of shooter other competitors can never discount.

“He’s highly competitive and forces everyone to bring their ‘A’ game,” Schardein said of Peterson. “Gunny Peterson is a known quantity. He’s someone you can count on -- highly reliable.”

Peterson said he believes the skills and discipline that are forged on the shooting range are not about winning competitions.

“I don’t consider this to be a sport,” Peterson said. “I consider this to be training, [as part of preparation] to go back in-country to take out those that are putting our guys in harm’s way.”

“There are some really good shooters, one or two that could probably match, or on a good day, beat him,” Schardein said of Peterson’s shooting ability. “He’s probably one of the top 10 shooters in the Marine Corps.”

Competitive shooting takes mental fortitude and physical strength, said Peterson, who sets aside time each day to ensure his physical and shooting skills remain sharp.

“You wake up every morning and the first thing that you see in the mirror is what you are,” he said. “You are a Marine.”

Face of Defense: Marine Plays Vital Role in Unit’s Success

By Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Edward R Guevara Jr.

26th Marine Expeditionary Unit

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C., March 27, 2012 – Reliability is a trait that Marine Corps Cpl. Jesse R. Mendoza learned from his father while growing up in San Fernando, Calif. He has used it as a foundation to build his life upon, and it's even helped him to gain recognition.

Most recently, the tactical field radio operator was recognized as the noncommissioned officer of the quarter for the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

With the 26th MEU's last deployment, Mendoza was part of a team that faced numerous challenges that come along with integrating communications across armed services and among the elements of the amphibious Marine Air-Ground Task Force and expeditionary environment, said Marine Corps Master Sgt. John O'Connell Jr., the unit’s communications chief.

Numerous areas of responsibility stress-tested the section as it facilitated communications among aircraft, ships and land units, O’Connell said. Among them were humanitarian assistance in Pakistan, anti-piracy operations and support for operations Enduring Freedom, Odyssey Dawn and Unified Protector. And through it all, he added, Mendoza excelled.

"He is humble, professional and responsible," O'Connell said.

True to form, Mendoza projected that praise to the Marines who work alongside him.

"My work section always tries to do its best," Mendoza said. "I like working with my peers. We accomplish a lot of great stuff together. Even on short notice, we got it done."

His commitment to teamwork and excellence started when he was a child playing soccer, football and basketball, Mendoza said. During middle school, he added, he played soccer for a park league team that consistently placed in the top three.

Pride in his work is what drives him to do the best he can, Mendoza said. He knows people rely on him, he added, and he doesn't want to shirk his responsibilities.

His father set that example for him, he said, and his father's friends reinforced it through their actions and words when speaking to or about his father.

Mendoza's father even influenced his decision to join the Marine Corps.

"I joined the military because my dad joined when he was in Guatemala," Mendoza said. "I heard him talking about it when I was growing up. He said it was rough, but he got a lot of good things from it."

As his four years of service come to an end this summer, Mendoza said, he hopes to leave his own influence for junior Marines.

"It can get hectic and rough in the beginning [of a deployment]," he said. "But the MEU has its fun times, like visiting ports in different countries. And it has opportunities for Marines to stand out and get promoted."

When he leaves the Marines, Mendoza said, he hopes to attend the Commercial Diving Academy in Jacksonville, Fla., and to become a commercial diver.