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First Lady Melania Trump visits Hampton Roads

The first lady and the secretary of defense visited people at Joint Base Langley-Eustis.

JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. (WVEC) — First Lady Melania Trump visited Joint Base Langley-Eustis (JBLE) on Wednesday to honor military members for the sacrifices they and their families make.

Trump is traveling around to show her appreciation for service men and women this holiday season. U.S. Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan joined her for the trip to Hampton Roads.

"Thank you for answering the call of duty," said Trump. "Please know that your sacrifices do not go unnoticed or unappreciated. And the president and I thank you for all that you do."

Shanahan and the first lady walked around to meet service members and their families.

"To spend time with the troops and really recognize the families and spend time with the kids that was fantastic," said Vice Commander, 633rd Air Base Wing, Colonel Edward Vedder.

"I was actually really humbled to have her out here. I actually got to shake her hand which was super cool," said Air Force Personnel Officer, Joseph Pulliam.

Trump got a close-up look at a United States fighter plane, the F-22 Raptor.

Elementary school students from Hampton and York County were there for the visit.

"It was amazing," said Bethel Manor Elementary School student, Emma Lynch. "She said Merry Christmas to me."

Bethel Manor Elementary teacher Haley Minnie said, "I know it’s going to be memories that they are going to cherish forever."

Besides the stop at JBLE, Trump, visited Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C. and the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush.

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