Michelle Obama, Jill Biden Visit Coors Field
DENVER (AP/CBS4) -- First Lady Michelle Obama told a crowd of about 200 at Coors Field in Denver Wednesday night that America needs to know the sacrifices Colorado's military families are making.
Obama visited the stadium as part of a five-city tour showcasing a program called the Joining Forces initiative that supports military families. She was joined by Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, and singer Jessica Simpson.
"We're rallying the country to make sure they are aware of your stories. You guys' stories. Because you know you are heroes just like your parents are, Obama said.
PHOTO GALLERY: First Lady Michelle Obama (& Friends) In The Mile High City
Air Force Academy baseball players took the field where the Colorado Rockies play and worked out with some of the children at the gathering. Attendees at the private event also got to watch the Rockies beat the Mets in New York on the jumbotron.
Alanah Rice's husband is currently serving overseas in Iraq. While carrying a child she told CBS4 she appreciates the commitment to military families.
"I'm glad that she's able to notice how much it takes out of us to deal with our deployed soldiers being gone for so long," said Rice, whose husband has been deployed for 11 months.
Maj. Darrell Johnson said he appreciated the invitation.
"To actually see them come through and visit us, it's really refreshing and the troops really do take it to heart," Johnson said.
Obama posed for pictures with people after rain forced everyone inside.
Earlier in the day, Obama and Biden visited families at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina and in San Antonio. Obama has started the program Joining Forces to showcase communities, businesses and nonprofits that help military families.
On Thursday, Obama and Biden are scheduled to head to Fountain-Fort Carson High School in Colorado Springs and then Columbus, Ohio.
Link: Joining Forces initiative
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