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."