First Lady Melania Trump and Second Lady Usha Vance visited Fort Rucker in Alabama on Nov. 12 to honor American service members and U.S. military families before Thanksgiving.
Addressing troops and their families at the U.S. Army Aviation headquarters, the first lady offered her gratitude for the sacrifices made by U.S. military families. She said that while the families’ sacrifices “extend far beyond Thanksgiving,” the holiday season can be especially difficult.
“Your role is profound. While your loved ones are deployed, it’s up to you to keep your families strong, keep your children safe, and keep your homes full of love. This is a big responsibility,” Trump said.
“The sacrifices of military families don’t make the headlines, but you are the foundation for the world’s most capable military.”
The first lady described U.S. service members as “the best in the world,” saying their service will have a lasting impact for future generations. Protecting America’s liberties outlined in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights requires Americans who are “willing to put something greater than themselves first,” she said.
Trump encouraged Americans preparing to celebrate Thanksgiving later this month to remember the military families who make sacrifices on behalf of the United States.
“In a few weeks, you will be sitting around your Thanksgiving table in the warmth of your own home, surrounded by your loved ones, sharing a wonderful meal, and perhaps enjoying a football game on television,” she said. “Take a moment to think of America’s service people and the families with an open seat at their Thanksgiving table.”
Vance also addressed the service members and their families on Nov. 12. She said she learned about the sacrifices military families make from her husband, Vice President JD Vance, who served in the Marine Corps.
“The men and women serving on this base stand ready to answer our nation’s call, wherever it might take you. You’ve chosen to accept that duty not for personal enrichment or glory, but out of devotion to your families and communities, to all of your fellow Americans. For that, our nation and our family [are] indebted to you,” the second lady said.
After addressing the troops and their families, Trump and Usha Vance visited kindergarten and first-grade pupils at Fort Rucker’s Ellis D. Parker Elementary School. In addition to engaging with the children, Trump recognized teachers for integrating technology into their classrooms, which is part of her Fostering the Future initiative.
Usha Vance said schools like the one at Fort Rucker demonstrate how military communities invest in the next generation.
The joint visit by Trump and Usha Vance at Fort Rucker was similar to a trip they made last year ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. In November 2025, they visited Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina and engaged with students at DeLalio Elementary School and Lejeune High School.
The day before their Fort Rucker visit, the first and second ladies accompanied President Donald Trump and the vice president for the Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.
