Michelle Obama on 'Oprah' to honor military families

[January 28, 2011]  CHICAGO (AP) -- Michelle Obama made a stop on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" to salute America's military families.

The first lady appeared on Thursday's episode of Winfrey's talk show, describing how "months go by where birthdays are missed" because military families have multiple deployments.

Her appearance comes three days after President Barack Obama announced new government-wide initiatives to support military families, including programs aimed at preventing suicide and homelessness. Michelle Obama also was to speak Thursday to new soldiers at their graduation ceremony at Fort Jackson in central South Carolina.

The first lady has become an advocate for military families. She has traveled to military installations to talk with service members about their needs and concerns and has urged Americans to volunteer time to help them.

[Associated Press]

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