First Lady visits Ramstein, Landstuhl for Veterans Day

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Markus Maier | U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama serves steaks to service members and their families during a surprise visit to the Ramstein Officers Club Nov 11.  

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, RP, GERMANY

11.12.2010

Story by Tech. Sgt. Markus Maier 

86th Airlift Wing

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany - First Lady Michelle Obama surprised more than 300 service members and their families at the Ramstein Officers Club during her visit here Nov. 11.

The participants were enjoying a special Veterans Day meal provided by the California-based Cooks of the Valley when Mrs. Obama, accompanied by Gen. Roger Brady, U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander, suddenly entered the room and proceeded to the serving line to help serve steaks.

"I'm here because I want to thank all of you," Mrs. Obama said. "I was on my way back home when we stopped here to refuel, so I wanted to come by and spend some time with you guys."

She went on to say that while she misses her daughters, Malia and Sasha, desperately, she felt it was critical for her to be here to express her gratitude.

"I know from the work I've done with all of you over the past several years that it's not just our men and women in uniform who serve," she said. "It is your families who are making just as many sacrifices, who are giving just as much and sometimes more. And it is so important, particularly on this day, to make sure that our entire country says thank you."

The first lady also shared that she enjoys being around the military and that every American should spend some time at a military installation or a military hospital as a reminder of the sacrifices service members and their families make for their country every day.

"We are in this together," Mrs. Obama said. "So I just wanted to take these few moments to say hello and again thank you on behalf of myself, my husband, my family and a very grateful nation."

After serving steaks and delivering a short speech to a cheering crowd, Mrs. Obama went around the room sharing hugs, smiles and handshakes.

"This was an awesome surprise," said Tech. Sgt. Tiana Simms-Russell, 86th Services Squadron North Side Fitness Center, non-commissioned officer in charge. "I think it's great that she took the time to come see us here on Veterans Day. It really shows that she cares."

While at Ramstein, Mrs. Obama also took some time to visit wounded service members at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, and briefly met with her German counterpart, First Lady Bettina Wulff.

• Date Taken: 11.12.2010
• Date Posted: 11.12.2010 03:42
• Story ID: 59958
• Location: RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, RP, DE