First Lady Melania Trump and Second Lady Usha Vance spent Wednesday at Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station New River in North Carolina, where they met with military families, toured schools, and distributed care packages ahead of the holiday season.
The high-profile visit on November 19, 2025, highlighted both educational initiatives and support for military communities as the holiday season approaches — a time when many service members will be separated from their families.
AI Education and Student Engagement
The day began at Lejeune High School, where the First and Second Ladies observed student presentations on social media, artificial intelligence, and technology. The visit connected directly to Mrs. Trump’s Presidential AI Challenge and her BE BEST initiative, Fostering the Future Together.
Mrs. Trump later expressed admiration for the students’ work. “They have fully embraced the presidential artificial intelligent challenge, showcasing creativity and technical vision for the future of AI,” she remarked. “Their dedication to learning and their commitment to our country is inspiring.”
The visit wasn’t limited to high schoolers. At DeLalio Elementary School, Mrs. Trump and Mrs. Vance toured kindergarten and first-grade classrooms to observe reading and writing lessons before participating in arts and crafts with older elementary students — a hands-on demonstration of their interest in education across age groups.
Honoring Service and Sacrifice
What made the visit particularly timely? With Thanksgiving approaching and the Marine Corps having recently celebrated its 250th birthday, the visit carried special significance for the military community.
During the concluding portion at MCAS New River, Second Lady Vance highlighted Vice President J.D. Vance’s own Marine Corps service and praised Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools and military families for their commitment to community and education before introducing the First Lady.
Mrs. Trump recognized outstanding Marines for their leadership and service while acknowledging the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on modern warfare. She delivered a heartfelt message to those who serve: “Please know that our nation is thinking of you, praying for you, and deeply grateful for your service. To every service member, thank you for standing watch so others can celebrate in peace. And to every military spouse and child, thank you for your strength and love. You serve our country too,” she stated.
Care Packages and Holiday Greetings
The visit included a photo opportunity where the First and Second Ladies distributed care packages to service members. “First Lady Melania Trump, standing alongside Second Lady Usha Vance, is now taking some photos there at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina,” a correspondent noted during the event, adding that they were “wishing everyone happy holidays and a Happy Thanksgiving” while distributing the packages.
Both women conveyed best wishes from President Trump and Vice President Vance to the assembled service members and their families.
The Lejeune and New River communities left a strong impression on the First Lady. “The Lejeune and New River community impressed me today,” she said, describing military families as “the quiet strength of our nation.”
As military installations across the country prepare for the holiday season — often a challenging time for those serving and their loved ones — this high-profile visit underscored the administration’s focus on both military support and educational advancement, particularly in emerging technologies that will shape the future of both warfare and civilian life.
