First Lady Pool Reports of December 23, 2023

FLOTUS Pool Report #1--Departure to Kentucky

Good Afternoon,
I'll be your print pooler for the First Lady's holiday trip to Kentucky, where she will visit with military-connected families impacted by recent tornadoes as part of her Joining Forces initiative.

The motorcade departed the White House at 11:50 a.m. and after an uneventful ride, arrived at JBA at 12:10 p.m.

Dr. Biden boarded the plane at 12:15 p.m.

Family members Maisy Biden and Peter Neal are traveling with her.

We are taxiing at 12:25.

Below are some details about the trip today:

REPORTABLE BACKGROUND FROM THE OFFICE OF THE FIRST LADY

Background | First Lady Jill Biden Visit to Fort Campbell, KY – Saturday 12/23
On Saturday, December 23rd, as part of her Joining Forces initiative and continued support for the military-connected community, First Lady Jill Biden will travel to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, a U.S. Army installation and home of the 101st Airborne Division, to celebrate the holidays and meet with military families impacted by the recent tornado in the region.

The First Lady previously visited Fort Campbell in March of 2022 where she met with the families of soldiers, including some of whom were deployed to Europe in support of our NATO Allies.

Background on the First Lady's Joining Forces initiative
Since day one of the Biden-Harris Administration, the First Lady has prioritized military-connected families through her Joining Forces initiative, which supports those who also serve: military and veteran families, caregivers, and survivors. Guided by the life experiences and the perspectives voiced during in-person and virtual listening sessions with military-connected families and stakeholders, the work and priorities of Joining Forces centers on the needs of this population in the areas of: Economic Opportunity; Military Child Education; and Health and Well-Being.

The First Lady has visited over 26 military installations; worked with Joining Forces partners to support over 50 events with the military-connected community; and helped coordinate the Administration's efforts to increase and raise awareness of resources and support for military and veteran families, caregivers, and survivors.
Through Joining Forces, the First Lady continues to support military-connected families, including:

• December 2023: The First Lady hosted a Toys for Tots event at the White House with local Marine Corps families.

• November 2023: Ahead of unveiling this year's White House holiday theme, the First Lady hosted a roundtable discussion with National Guard children and families at the White House.
• October 2023: The First Lady and Secretary of Veteran Affairs Denis McDonough visited Patrick Space Force Base in Brevard County, Florida to meet with military families and tour Cape Canaveral Space Force Station to learn more about the Space Force mission.
• June 2023: In recognition of the 50th anniversary of the nation's All-Volunteer Force, Dr. Biden visited U.S. Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina to celebrate and honor Marine graduates and their families.

• June 2023: The President and the First Lady traveled to Ft. Liberty, NC to meet with service members and their families and announce a new executive order to support military and veteran spouses, caregivers, and survivors and increase economic opportunities for military-connected families.
• April 2023: The First Lady hosted the first-ever Joining Forces Military Kids Workout on the South Lawn at the White House to celebrate Month of the Military Child.
• March 2023: Ahead of Month of the Military Child, Dr. Biden visited Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Greene County, Ohio, to meet with military families. During the visit, Dr. Biden toured a local Purple Star elementary school supporting military-connected children and hosted a listening session with military parents.
• January 2023: The First Lady and Deputy Secretary of Defense Dr. Kathleen Hicks visited Fort Drum, New York, the home of the storied 10th Mountain Division, to meet with military spouses and community leaders to discuss improving employment opportunities for military spouses. During the visit, Dr. Biden met with military children participating in a "hearts" and crafts project at the installation's child development center. The "heart-work" was featured at the White House for Valentine's Day.

FLOTUS Pool Report #2- Kentucky Arrival

FLOTUS landed at Campbell Army Airfield in (a sunnier and warmer) Fort Campbell, Kentucky at 1 p.m. local time.

The only visit to the press cabin was Santa.

Dr. Biden and her family deplaned with Santa at 1:14 p.m. and spent time shaking hands, chatting and taking pictures with the greeters.

She was greeted by:

• Major General Brett Sylvia, Commanding General of the 101st Airborne Division and Fort Campbell. Major Sylvia will be joined by his spouse, Lori Sylvia, and their two children, Caroline and Samuel.
• Command Sergeant Major Charles D. Walker, Command Sergeant Major of the 101st Airborne Division. Command Sergeant Major Walker will be joined by his spouse, Maggie Walker, and their two children, Olivia and Landon.

We are on our way to the holiday celebration, where Dr. Biden is scheduled to give remarks and meet with families.

Additional background from the First Lady's office about the military base and holiday party are below.

Holiday Celebration
The First Lady will participate in a holiday celebration at the Personnel Processing Center (PPC) at Fort Campbell with local military families and volunteers to recognize the community supporting Fort Campbell following the recent tornado in the region.

Fort Campbell Military Base
Fort Campbell is a U.S. Army installation and home of the 101st Airborne Division, the only Air Assault division in the world, since 1956. Throughout its history, Fort Campbell has supported the training and deployment of front-line Army units involved in the nation's wars, beginning with World War II through Vietnam and Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, and up to the current Overseas Contingency Operations. Since 2002, Fort Campbell units have been among the most deployed combat units in the Army. Fort Campbell supports over 27,000 active-duty military members and over 50,000 family members.

FLOTUS Pool Report #3--Remarks/Visit at Holiday celebration

The First Lady arrived at the holiday celebration at the Personnel Processing Center about 5 mins after deplaning (it's located right behind the airfield).

We entered a decorated gymnasium-like room where "Twelve days of Christmas" was playing, and the room decorations included two large Christmas trees, and a massive American flag. Your pooler counted more than two dozen tables full of families/attendees were in attendance, in addition to several uniformed military personnel.

Per local reports, hundreds on Fort Campbell were displaced by catastrophic tornadoes, and dozens still are.

Dr. Biden was announced, along with her accompanying Santa, at 1:31 p.m. She spoke against a backdrop of decorative gift boxes and a large "Airborne" flag.

She was introduced by Major Kevin Quiros, Major in the G35-Future Operations Planning (FUOPS) for the 101st Airborne Division. Major Quiros who was joined by his spouse, Catherine Quiros, and their three children, Kenzo, Chloe, and Leo.

Major Quiros said he was just back from taking Santa pictures with his family when the tornado barrelled down on their home.

He introduced Dr. Biden as "a remarkable individual who epitomizes compassion and leadership."

Dr. Biden began speaking at 1:33 p.m.

She praised the community for rallying together, and "being there for those who lost everything, even when you had lost so much yourselves."

"As Americans across the country gathered this weekend for the holidays, our family wanted to come here," and introduced Maisy Biden and Peter Neal.

She said she visited to let the families know they were not alone.

"Because in our family we have a saying, 'if you have to ask it's too late.' Military families live by that saying too, don't they? In moments of hardship, you're the ones who step up. You're the ones who put your lives in harm's way. You're the one to reach out a hand to carry others through."

"I know it can be hard to ask for help when you are usually the ones answering the call. But I hope that you let others share the weight of your burdens.

"The Bidens are a military family, and military families look out for one another. We take care of our own."

Dr. Biden spoke for about 6 minutes, and she and Santa started a photo line with families -- many dressed in matching outfits-- and military personnel.

Your pooler spotted tables of toys that families were able to choose from, and military personnel were also distributing toys.

The photo line went on for more than 45 minutes, and your pooler left the around 2:15 local time. We are holding, awaiting departure.

FLOTUS Pool Report #4--Wheels up from Kentucky

We are wheels up from Kentucky at 2:41 p.m.

FLOTUS Pool Report #5- Wheels down/ Camp David bound

Dr. Biden landed at Hagerstown Regional Airport, in Maryland, at 5:07 p.m., where we dropped her and her family members off.
I did not see her deplane, but was informed that she is on her way to Camp David for the holiday.

That's it from me.

Have a great evening, Merry Christmas to all who celebrate and and Happy New Year to all.