The Virginian-Pilot
©
VIRGINIA BEACH
The movie didn't start until noon, but by dawn on Thursday, military families were lining up outside the theater at Oceana Naval Air Station.
Thirteen-year-old Courtney Smith and her friends were among those who arrived early. Like a lot of people in the crowd, Courtney said she'd already seen the day's feature presentation, the new "Harry Potter" movie.
"I didn't come for the movie," she said. "I came to see her."
First lady Michelle Obama spent about two hours at Oceana on Thursday morning. In addition to kicking off the free "Harry Potter" screening, where she thanked military families for serving their country, she toured an on-base summer camp for kids. The visit was part of "Joining Forces," a new initiative launched by Obama and Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, that aims to bolster support for uniformed personnel and their families.
Obama started her visit at the summer camp. In a colorful classroom filled with excited second- and third-graders, 7-year-old Chidera Egbunine teased her friend, 8-year-old Destiny Allen.
"She's coming! There she is!" Chidera said.
"Where?" asked Destiny, craning her neck to look out the windows.
"Just kidding," Chidera smiled.
A few minutes later, Obama walked through the door for real. The kids explained what they were working on - painting sets for a production of "Annie."
"Can I help?" the first lady asked.
One of the campers handed her an apron, and they began to paint.
Destiny leaned into Chidera and said quietly, "She's so pretty!"
After painting, Obama visited a group of 5- and 6-year-olds. She danced with them to help get their wiggles out, then read them a children's book that she said was her husband's favorite, "Where the Wild Things Are."
Her last stop was the gymnasium, where several dozen kids were rehearsing for "Annie."
A short time later, she addressed the "Harry Potter" crowd, explaining that she came to Oceana to deliver a message.
"I've been saying this a lot, and it's simple," she said. "It's 'Thank you.' "
Obama said she's met a lot of military families in her time as first lady - and a lot of military kids.
"I know how extraordinary all of you are," she said. "I've seen it."
Corinne Reilly, (757) 446-2949, corinne.reilly@pilotonline.com
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Disgusted
As a Military Child and as a employee of the youth center Mrs. Obama visited, I am disgusted with the comments I have seen on this topic. So much hatred has been stated about a once in a lifetime event for these kids. I watched as their faces lit up to see our nation's First Lady pay them a visit. This was a great treat for them. Whether they were fans of the Obamas or not, families were excited for their kids to see her. It made no difference to the kids whether she was a republican or democrat they just wanted to see her and thats it.
Oh and has anyone really discussed the fact that she came to announce the Joint Forces Initiative?? This program will help 8 hampton roads schools gain ap math and science courses. Yeah shes horrible.
There it is agan
She is a political figure in the line of image repair. You can lump all the initiatives they like to her visit. It is still going to be simply an attempt to erase he comments she has made before and just after her husbands election. Im glad the children enjoyed her visit however, its still just a tepid method public realtions.
trays
When I realize that the carrots are in debt because of the " plight" it makes me mortified to realize the we are never going to be a wealthy society. If I was to hear the crickets and brooksmice outside my window without the herecy evoked by the above stated beasts, it would still anger me. Why must they ask for more state juice when the cookies are always free. Harrumph.. good day sir..Godspeed..meow
No ice cream
Great she shows up now we wont have any Ice cream in Va beach i wounder how much fuel was wasted on her showing up ,,
Check all the area
Check all the area baskin-robbins and see if she left any here.
Comment deleted
Comment removed for rules violation. Reason: Racial, ethnic, group attack
Where was your appreciation
before you "were proud of your country"? Oh, I get it. During my service time, you were not the big whigs that you think you are now. No need for thanks from people such as you. I was proud to service the country I loved, whether she was right, or wrong.
So much
So much unprovoked hatred being spewed upon this open forum. What amazes me the most is that if given the chance, a good portion of it would never be expressed to that persons face or in a public setting. Everyone is entitled to their opinion(s) but why waste so much time & effort doing that in a negative manner. There's alot of other public officials and leaders that sit in high positions that aren't doing any better in that position than President Obama but I surely don't see a fraction of negative commentary going on in their blogs. Even if you don't care for Mrs. Obama, be thankful that those kids were granted the opportunity to experience meeting a first lady. I met her last year at the Pentagon and I enjoyed the experience.
what your seeing
is the out right frustration and disdain for a political figure that is in the motion of image repair.. This FLOTUS has on the outset of her husbands Term had remarks that alienated a great manmy of Americans. The statment on the first day of his election about never being proud of this country un till that day was disturing at best. So, now we are to beleive that she in some remarkable turn of attitude, has given her heart to the country and its military. Seems a strecth to have so many years of ambivalence turn to a constant love. Believe what you want, im not fooled.
What?
Is she not a "real" American like you?