The wives of the president and vice president spoke briefly to the roughly 100 military spouses, American Red Cross volunteers and others gathered inside a hangar at Joint Base Andrews near the nation's capital for the event.
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First lady Melania Trump praised the spouses for carrying "the weight of family life" while their husbands or wives are away from home serving the country.
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Usha Vance, whose husband, Vice President JD Vance, is a former Marine, said the holiday season is a time to "lift up" those who serve.
After speaking, both women took up positions at tables to help stuff "comfort kits" as they were being filled with Rice Krispies treats, peanuts, granola bars and handwritten notes. They also joined others who were writing holiday cards for deployed service members.
The first lady wrote in one of her cards: "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Thank you for your service. Our nation is proud of you!" and signed it, "With warm wishes, Melania Trump."