First Lady Jill Biden visits with military families at Fort Campbell | VIDEO

FORT CAMPBELL, KY (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – First Lady Jill Biden and Santa Claus visited Fort Campbell on Saturday via the “Sleigh Force One”, to celebrate Christmas and to meet with military families whose homes were destroyed or damaged by the Dec. 9 tornado.

The visit was part of her Joining Forces initiative and continued support for the military-connected community, according to a news release.

Dr. Biden participated in a holiday celebration with local military families and tornado relief volunteers.

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.

According to Captain Steve Nava, the Deputy Public Affairs Officer for the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), at peak there were 354 Fort Campbell-affiliated families displaced due to the tornado.

“I know that the last two weeks have really tested your strength, but even in this moment of grief and heartbreak, there is so much love and support,” Biden said.

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

“We wanted to be here with all of you to stand with you and to let you know you are not alone,” she said.

“On behalf of the president and Americans everywhere, you are in our hearts, and we are so grateful for your service. … May God bless and protect our troops and their families,” she said.

“The community volunteers were all instrumental in helping the families that were assigned to Fort Campbell really recover in the immediate aftermath of the EF-3 tornadoes. … It’s absolutely amazing but unsurprising to see this community and country really come behind and support those families and soldiers,” stated Captain Steve Nava, the Deputy Public Affairs Officer for the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).

The holiday celebration was supported by Armed Services YMCA, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots, and Mission BBQ.

About Joining Forces

Dr. Biden’s Joining Forces initiative supports those who serve: military and veteran families, caregivers and survivors. Guided by the life experiences and the perspectives voiced during listening sessions with military-connected families, 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, accoring to the release.

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.

Video by Wesley Irvin

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