First Lady Pool Reports of January 16, 2025

FLOTUS Pool Report | Joining Forces Event

The pool was escorted into the State Dining Room, past the remnants of a breakfast buffet in the Entrance Hall. Attendees were packed into rows of chairs before a small stage and a lectern. A pair of monitors rotated through images of FLOTUS at her many military-related engagements from the last four years.

FLOTUS entered the room at 11:31 AM in a red Schiaparelli jacket and skirt. She was holding hands with Sheila Casey, the executive director of Joining Forces. Casey addressed the room first, sharing the story of FLOTUS asking her to lead the initiative. FLOTUS has been "absolutely committed" to helping military families "in a way that is both rare and remarkable," Casey added. "She has listened to our stories, walked in our shoes, and turned her empathy into action."

FLOTUS gave Casey a hug and took the lectern to another standing ovation. She was tearing up as she began to speak. "Welcome to the White House," FLOTUS said. "This might be the last time I get to say that from this stage." FLOTUS explained that she'd wanted her final event at the White House to recognize military families: "I knew I wanted to celebrate you — the advocates, business leaders, senior spouses, and so many military families who have been with Joining Forces," she said.

FLOTUS described the origin of Joining Forces alongside former First Lady Michelle Obama in 2011 and how she'd restored the program as "one of the first things I did when Joe was sworn in." She mentioned the Biden administration's work on behalf of military families, including an executive order to expand employment opportunities for military spouses and veterans. (The First Lady's office will send around full remarks.)

Remarks ended at 11:45 AM. "I love you — thank you, thank you," FLOTUS said. As she left the lectern, she blew a kiss at the crowd and shook hands as she exited. FLOTUS ignored a shouted question from a reporter about how it felt to have three days left in the White House.

Reportable Background from the Office of the First Lady
Today, January 16th, First Lady Jill Biden will host a Joining Forces event to celebrate the Biden-Harris Administration's work to support military and veteran families, caregivers and survivors. The event will bring together military families, and Joining Forces partners and advocates, including from Military Service Organizations (MSO), Veteran Service Organizations (VSO), and agency partners from across the federal government. The event will be livestreamed HERE [youtube.com].

Remarks Program

• Sheila Casey, Executive Director of Joining Forces
• First Lady Jill Biden

Ahead of the event, Joining Forces announced new actions to support military children with disabilities. Read more about the announcement here.

Background on Joining Forces

Joining Forces is Dr. Biden's initiative to support 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.

As First Lady, Dr. Biden has visited over 30 military installations; worked with Joining Forces partners to support over 80 engagements 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.