Candidate's wife pledges help for families of troops

NORFOLK

Michelle Obama, wife of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, on Wednesday outlined her husband's platform to support military families through measures such as improved services for veterans and more predictable deployments.

"Few sacrifice more to serve their country than all of you," Obama told a group of military spouses and supporters at Old Dominion University. "I know that, too often, it seems like you're doing it all on your own."

Her husband's proposal also includes measures to enhance support groups for military families, bring troops' salaries closer to the private sector and improve mental health treatment for service members.

Obama's Norfolk visit was part of a series of conversations she's conducted with military spouses, including campaign stops in Fort Bragg, N.C., and Hopkinsville, Ky. The mother of two daughters also has traveled to other states to hear about the challenges women face in balancing work and families.

"Mostly I'm here to listen and to do a lot of learning and then to transfer that information into the heart and mind of my husband," Obama said.

She began her day in Norfolk reading to young children at ODU's Lions Club Child Study Center, and she was to end the day at an evening fundraiser hosted by Gov. Timothy M. Kaine and Virginia first lady Anne Holton.

Earlier, students waited outside the Batten Arts and Letters Building, hoping to catch a glimpse of the woman named one of the world's best-dressed by Vanity Fair magazine.

Karen V. Hayes wore a royal blue dress, newly hemmed by hand, to symbolize the Democratic party.

"I can't eat. I can't sleep. My pressure is up," said Hayes, 62, the office manager for the Chesapeake Obama campaign headquarters.

Obama took the stage to a standing ovation from a crowd of supporters about 1:15 p.m., wearing a black dress, sweater and leggings. She joined retired Army Lt. Gen. Claudia Kennedy, decorated Vietnam War veteran Paul Bucha, state Del. Joe Bouchard and six military wives.

In a conversation punctuated by applause from the audience, they described struggles ranging from securing benefits for veterans to finding suitable child care and schools.

Elaine Guishard, a breast cancer survivor, worried about health insurance after her husband retires from the Navy.

Amanda McBreen described how military red tape led to the loss of her son's medical records in a move. He had to receive 186 shots so doctors could determine again what caused his severe allergies, she said.

"I don't want to be up here to whine," McBreen said. "But these are concerns that should be addressed."

That was a comment Obama said she has often heard.

"I am blessed. That is what most Americans, most military spouses are saying," Obama said. "Sometimes things just still aren't right. We should be able to talk about that."

After the event, Obama chatted and posed for pictures with audience members, including state Sen. Louise Lucas and Norfolk City Councilwoman Daun Hester.

In an interview after the roundtable, Obama said she would be interested in continuing her work for military spouses and on other family issues if she becomes first lady. She envisioned the role as someone who listens to individuals and makes sure their concerns are heard by the president.

"My primary focus will be making sure my girls are whole and healthy," she said, "but once we deal with our readjustment period, I want to be productive and engaged as much as possible."

Obama said she wouldn't compare the challenges of being married to a presidential candidate to those of having a spouse who is deployed.

"I can understand the challenges of feeling like you're doing it all and your spouse isn't right there all the time," she said, but "my experience pales in comparison to anything they're going through."

Amy Jeter, (757) 446-2730, amy.jeter@pilotonline.com