This Wednesday, First Lady Melania Trump and Second Lady Usha Vance embarked on a visit to Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River in North Carolina. Their day was dedicated to engaging with students, educators, military families, and service members stationed at these vital installations.
Kicking off the day at Lejeune High School, Mrs. Trump and Mrs. Vance immersed themselves in a classroom setting, where they observed high school students as they presented projects on social media, artificial intelligence (AI), and technology. This engagement aligns with the First Lady’s advocacy for AI education, notably through initiatives like the Presidential AI Challenge and the BE BEST initiative, “Fostering the Future Together.” After the presentations, they shared a few remarks and participated in a photo session with students and United Service Organizations (USO) volunteers who were busy assembling care packages for deployed service members and their families.
Following the high school visit, the two ladies headed to DeLalio Elementary School, where they explored kindergarten and first-grade classrooms, observing lessons focused on reading and writing. Their time at the school culminated in arts-and-crafts activities with students from the third, fourth, and fifth grades, illustrating the importance of creativity in education.
The visit wrapped up at MCAS New River, where Mrs. Vance expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the Marines and service members at Camp Lejeune. She highlighted the Vice President’s dedication to service and the Marine Corps’ enduring traditions. Moreover, she praised the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools and the military families’ commitment to education and community involvement. In a touching moment, she introduced the First Lady, commending her ongoing efforts to support children and families through the Fostering the Future initiative.
During her remarks, Mrs. Trump celebrated the Marine Corps’ recent 250th birthday, reflecting on the profound influence of artificial intelligence on contemporary warfare. She also took a moment to recognize exemplary Marines for their leadership and service. As the holiday season approaches—a bittersweet time for military families who may have an empty seat at the table—both ladies conveyed their deep gratitude for the strength, resilience, and sacrifices made by service members and their families. They expressed their sincere appreciation for the warm welcome they received from military personnel, educators, students, and families at MCAS New River and Camp Lejeune, acknowledging their unwavering dedication to serving the United States.
