First lady to Hollywood: Reflect military families
(CBS/AP) BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. - First lady Michelle Obama says she's been diligently studying her lines for her upcoming appearance on the Nickelodeon series "iCarly," but she's still nervous about filming her scenes for the show.
"I am terrified," she said during a meeting with members of the writers, producers, directors and actors unions at the Writers Guild Theater to discuss Joining Forces, an initiative to increase public consciousness and support of military families. "I can give a speech, I can talk to you all, but oh, I'm shaking, yes."
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Mrs. Obama said she created the initiative with Jill Biden to help the nation understand "that when our country goes to war, we have families that are serving right along with them."
The "iCarly" episode that first lady will appear in (she's set to tape it during her visit to Los Angeles) is about the main character's efforts to connect with her dad on his birthday. Mrs. Obama plays herself in the episode, in which two of Carly's friends try to set up a father-daughter birthday Web chat.
"The story line is very sweet," she said. "They have a webcast, and Carly is a military kid, and that's always been a part of the script - that's been a part of their situation. Her father has been deployed. And it's just a way for us to recognize her challenges as well as how her friends are stepping up to support her. So I'm pretty excited about it."
Mrs. Obama said her daughters are "iCarly" fans, so her role on the show makes her "the coolest mom on the face of the planet." She added that the episode is a perfect example of how stories of military families fit perfectly into our everyday entertainment.
She hopes the Joining Forces initiative inspires Americans to understand the sacrifices made by military personnel and their families, and that appreciating them becomes part of our national fabric.
"In the end, this isn't just about the stories, but about having the men and women and their families who serve our country feel the gratitude every day from a grateful nation," Obama said. "If we set this foundation, not just for today but for forever, regardless of whom the president is in office, that this is a part of who we are as Americans and lifting these families up ... then we've been successful."
During the hour-long program, Mrs. Obama shared the stage with a National Guard pilot, a retired soldier and the wife of an Army officer. Writer-director JJ Abrams, whose film "Super 8" topped the weekend box office, moderated the discussion.
The service members said that simple gestures of thanks are often the most meaningful, such as receiving care packages while deployed or being welcomed home at the airport by a clapping, flag-waving crew.
Obama suggested that Hollywood storytellers, and all Americans, can benefit by visiting military hospitals and hearing military stories firsthand.
"It's not just research," she said, "it's an experience."
The first lady also appeared at two private fundraisers during her visit to Los Angeles on Monday.
