Updated Friday afternoon

First Lady Michelle Obama asked the nation on Friday to do more to assist military families, from helping spouses find and keep jobs, to carpooling, to securing free legal and accounting services.

"We must all remember that when our troops are deployed, their families are left behind and faced with an entirely different set of duties," Mrs. Obama said.

Mrs. Obama -- in her last public event before taking off for the month of August -- flew to Norfolk, Va., on Friday morning for several military-related events.

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PD toolbar!The trip was pegged to the homecoming of the USS Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group and the USNS Comfort. The larger point of the visit to Naval Station Norfolk was for Mrs. Obama to throw a spotlight on one of her agenda items--military families. Mrs. Obama met with base leadership and sailors' families and in a speech noted that almost all military families "don't feel like their communities know of their struggles," except in cities like Norfolk, home to a major military installation.

"So as we welcome home the men and women of the Comfort and the Eisenhower from deployment, and as we celebrate their reunion with their families, let us make a pledge right here today to honor their service by doing more to serve them in our own communities.

"Let's do simple things, like offer to help with a carpool. Simple things, like bringing over dinner. Simple things, like being a shoulder to cry on or a friend to talk to, be a neighbor, be a friend.

"If you own a business or run a company, or help run a business or a company, you can help a military spouse get a job or keep a job despite a move across the country, so he or she can continue to build a meaningful career as they sacrifice for our nation. If you have a professional skill such as being a lawyer, a mental health professional, or an accountant, you can provide pro bono services to military families who need your help.

"If you have the opportunity, just reach out and simply say thank you -- sometimes that goes a long way -- say thank you to the spouses and the children of our military members and thank them for their sacrifice because it is real and it is powerful," Mrs. Obama said.

Most of the focus on Mrs. Obama of late (besides whether she did or did not -- did not, turns out -- have a haircut) has been on her White House garden, healthy eating and supportive remarks for President Obama's health care overhaul legislation. Until Friday, she has not been as active in public with her military family portfolio.

In a related matter, the East Wing announced that Mrs. Obama will be part of the "life" of a Coast Guard cutter under construction, serving as the "sponsor" of the Coast Guard Cutter Stratton. The keel for the cutter was laid on July 20 at the Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding's shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss.

Statement from the East Wing: "This is Mrs. Obama's first formal association with a United States Coast Guard cutter and serving as Stratton's sponsor is an extension of her commitment to supporting America's men and women in uniform and their families."


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