JESSIE Tonight May 16th Episode Features First Lady Michelle Obama Celebrating Military Families

FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA GUEST STARS IN AN EPISODE OF "JESSIE" 

THAT CELEBRATES MILITARY FAMILIES, 

PREMIERING FRIDAY, MAY 16 ON DISNEY CHANNEL

First Lady Michelle Obama guest stars in "Jessie," the hit comedy series for kids and tweens, in a storyline that raises awareness about the service, sacrifice and needs of military families. The episode, part of Disney's long legacy of support for the U.S. Armed Services and the White House's Joining Forces initiative, premieres tonight, FRIDAY, MAY 16 (8:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel. A Public Service Announcement also featuring Mrs. Obama accompanies the episode.

The series follows 22 year-old Jessie Prescott who, after spending her childhood on military bases, is now a New York City nanny to four high-spirited children – Emma, Ravi, Luke and Zuri (three of whom were adopted from different parts of the world) – and their giant pet lizard, Mrs. Kipling.

In the episode, "From the White House to Our House," Jessie and Zuri set out to host a birthday party for Taylor, a new friend who's sorely missing her mother, a deployed member of the military. When Taylor decides she'd rather not celebrate anything without her mother, Zuri enlists the help of Mrs. Obama.

Starring in the episode are Debby Ryan as Jessie, Kevin Chamberlin as Bertram, Peyton List as Emma, Karan Brar as Ravi, Cameron Boyce as Luke and Skai Jackson as Zuri.  Guest starring in the episode are Kyla-Drew Simmons as Taylor Harris, Yvette Saunders as Sargent Harris, Vernee Watson-Johnson as Mrs. Harris and Lauren Pritchard as Coach Penny

Last year, First Lady Michelle Obama was a keynote speaker at Disney's Veterans Institute, an event which leveraged the success of Disney's

Photos Preview: JESSIE May 16th Episode Features First Lady Michelle Obama Celebrating Military Families

FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA GUEST STARS IN AN EPISODE OF "JESSIE" 

THAT CELEBRATES MILITARY FAMILIES, 

PREMIERING FRIDAY, MAY 16 ON DISNEY CHANNEL

First Lady Michelle Obama guest stars in "Jessie," the hit comedy series for kids and tweens, in a storyline that raises awareness about the service, sacrifice and needs of military families. The episode, part of Disney's long legacy of support for the U.S. Armed Services and the White House's Joining Forces initiative, premieres FRIDAY, MAY 16 (8:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel. A Public Service Announcement also featuring Mrs. Obama accompanies the episode.

The series follows 22 year-old Jessie Prescott who, after spending her childhood on military bases, is now a New York City nanny to four high-spirited children – Emma, Ravi, Luke and Zuri (three of whom were adopted from different parts of the world) – and their giant pet lizard, Mrs. Kipling.

In the episode, "From the White House to Our House," Jessie and Zuri set out to host a birthday party for Taylor, a new friend who's sorely missing her mother, a deployed member of the military. When Taylor decides she'd rather not celebrate anything without her mother, Zuri enlists the help of Mrs. Obama.

Starring in the episode are Debby Ryan as Jessie, Kevin Chamberlin as Bertram, Peyton List as Emma, Karan Brar as Ravi, Cameron Boyce as Luke and Skai Jackson as Zuri.  Guest starring in the episode are Kyla-Drew Simmons as Taylor Harris, Yvette Saunders as Sargent Harris, Vernee Watson-Johnson as Mrs. Harris and Lauren Pritchard as Coach Penny

Last year, First Lady Michelle Obama was a keynote speaker at Disney's Veterans Institute, an event which leveraged the success of Disney's

White House Schedule - March 24, 2014

First Lady Michelle Obama and Malia and Sasha visit the Great Wall of China on March 23, 2014. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)

In the morning, the President will arrive in The Netherlands.

Later in the morning, the President will visit the Rijksmuseum where he will receive a tour and then hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Rutte of the Netherlands. After the bilateral meeting, the President and Prime Minister will deliver statements.

In the afternoon, the President will hold a bilateral meeting with President Xi Jinping of China.

Later in the afternoon, the President will arrive at the World Forum at The Hague to participate in the Nuclear Security Summit.

The President will then attend the opening session of the Nuclear Security Summit.

Afterward, the President will participate in a plenary discussion as well as a scenario-based policy discussion at the Nuclear Security Summit.

In the evening, the President will attend a G-7 leaders meeting on the situation in Ukraine at Catshuis, the official residence of the Prime Minister.

At night, the President will visit the Dutch Royal Palace where he will participate in a reception and family photo before attending a working dinner with King Willem-Alexander of The Netherlands.

The President will remain overnight in The Netherlands.

4:00 AM	The President arrives The Netherlands Local Event Time:  9:00 AM Schiphol International Airport
4:45 AM	The President arrives The Rijksmuseum Local Event Time:  9:45 AM The Rijksmuseum
4:50 AM	The President tours The Rijksmuseum Local Event Time:  9:50 AM The Rijksmuseum
5:15 AM	The President holds a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Rutte Local Event Time:  10:15 AM The Rijksmuseum
5:45 AM	The President delivers remarks with Prime Minister Rutte Local Event Time:  10:45 AM The Rijksmuseum
7:45 AM	The President holds a bilateral meeting with President Xi Jinping of China Local Event Time:  12:45 PM United States Ambassador's Residence - The Hague
9:45 AM	The President arrives the World Forum at The Hague to participate in the Nuclear Security Summit Local Event Time:  2:45 PM The World Forum - The Hague
10:00 AM	The President attends the Opening Session Local Event Time:  3:00 PM The World Forum - The Hague
10:30 AM	The President attends the First Plenary Discussion Local Event Time:  3:30 PM The World Forum - The Hague
11:15 AM	The President attends a Scenario-Based Policy Discussion Local Event Time:  4:15 PM The World Forum - The Hague
1:30 PM	The President attends a G-7 leaders meeting Local Event Time:  6:30 PM Catshuis, the Official Residence of the Prime Minister
3:15 PM	The President arrives the Royal Palace Local Event Time:  8:15 PM Dutch Royal Palace
3:30 PM	The President participates in a family photo Local Event Time:  8:30 PM Dutch Royal Palace
3:35 PM	The President attends a working dinner with King Willem-Alexander Local Event Time:  8:35 PM Dutch Royal Palace
7:00 PM	The Vice President delivers remarks at the award celebration for the Toner Prize for Excellence in Political Reporting Kaiser Family Foundation

The President's Schedule Today

First Lady Michelle Obama, Dr. Jill Biden, and Prince Harry of Wales help military children create Mothers Day cards and other crafts in the State Dining Room of the White House, May 9, 2013. The children presented the gifts to their moms during the Joining Forces Military Mother's Day Tea in the East Room. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

In the morning, the President will hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Cameron of the United Kingdom at the White House.  The Prime Minister’s visit will highlight the fundamental importance of the U.S.-UK relationship – through which together we address a broad range of shared global and regional security concerns.

In the morning, the Vice President will travel to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. At 10:15 AM, the Vice President will deliver the commencement address at the University of Pennsylvania.

Later in the morning, the President and Prime Minister Cameron of the United Kingdom will hold a joint press conference in the Rose Garden.
In the afternoon, the President will travel to New York City.

While in New York City, the President will deliver remarks at two DNC events at private residences and a joint DCCC/DSCC event at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel.

In the evening, the President will depart New York City en route Washington, DC.

10:00 AM	The President holds a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Cameron of the United Kingdom Oval Office
10:15 AM	The Vice President will deliver the commencement address at the University of Pennsylvania University of Pennsylvania
11:15 AM	The President and Prime Minister Cameron of the United Kingdom hold a joint press conference Rose Garden
2:10 PM	The President departs the White House en route Joint Base Andrews
3:05 PM	The President arrives New York City John F. Kennedy International Airport
4:30 PM	The President delivers remarks at a DNC event New York City, Private Residence
6:05 PM	The President delivers remarks at a DNC event New York City, Private Residence
10:00 PM	The President departs New York City John F. Kennedy International Airport
10:50 PM	The President arrives Joint Base Andrews
11:05 PM	The Presdent arrives the White House South Lawn

The President"s Schedule Today

First Lady Michelle Obama plants seeds with students during the Spring White House Kitchen Garden event on the South Lawn of the White House, April 4, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

9:15 AM

The President hosts an Easter Prayer Breakfast; the Vice President also delivers remarks The East Room

Star-powered Kids’ Inaugural Concert Salutes Military Families

First Lady Michelle Obama and her daughters, and Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, and her grandchildren, come out on stage during the Kids’ Inaugural Concert at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., Jan. 19, 2013. DOD photo by Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.  

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Jan. 20, 2013 – From the opening notes of Grammy winner and multi-platinum recording star Usher to the final thanks of singer Katy Perry, military families all over the world were treated to a special thanks here last night.

First Lady Michelle Obama and her daughters, and Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, and her grandchildren, come out on stage during the Kids’ Inaugural Concert at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., Jan. 19, 2013. DOD photo by Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.
First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, hosted a star-studded tribute to military families at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center as a part of the presidential inauguration weekend and national day of service.
“We had a wonderful day of service today, and hundreds of thousands of people come from all 50 states to join in the celebration,” Obama said. “And let me tell you, I love every single minute of it. But I have to tell you that my very favorite part of this entire weekend is being right here with all of you -- because for me, this is what inauguration is all about. It’s about celebrating who we are as Americans and all the things that make this country so great.”

Soldiers from the U.S. Army Old Guard's Fife and Drum Corps join the arriving colors during the opening of the Kids' Inaugural Concert at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., Jan. 19, 2013. DOD photo by Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.   

The first lady told the audience that when she thinks about what America great, she thinks of the men and women in uniform, military spouses and “amazing” military kids.
In addition to the thousands of children watching the show live, children of military families from Fort Hood, Texas; Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii; Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio; Camp Pendleton, Calif.; and Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, Fla., watched via satellite broadcasts.
A special group of kids from Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy, also watched excitedly from afar, as their eighth- grade classmates, visiting the nation’s capital for the inauguration, kicked off the show by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
Throughout the show, hosted by Nick Cannon, and which included performances from Far East Movement and Mindless Behavior, a variety of celebrities thanked military families for their sacrifices.
Talk show hosts David Letterman and Ellen DeGeneres, military veteran and “Dancing With the Stars” winner J.R. Martinez, actress Kerry Washington, producer Ryan Seacrest and the Washington Wizards and Washington Nationals also paid tribute.
The first lady talked about what it means to be a military child and noted some of the hardships these children face.
“Think about how hard it is for military kids to be apart from the people they love most -- how they miss their moms and dads every day and would do anything to have them back home,” Obama said. “And that’s just a glimpse of what it means to be a military kid. It means always thinking about things that are so much bigger than yourself.
“It means growing up just a little faster and working just a little harder than other kids,” she continued. “And it means doing the greatest thing you can ever do with your life at such a young age, and that is to serve our country.”
Obama said America’s military kids all are an important part of the greatest military on Earth.
“By supporting your families, you all are helping to protect this country and keep every single one of us safe,” she said. “You’re doing that. And Dr. Biden and I are so incredibly proud of you all.”

Actor and television show host Nick Cannon takes on hosting duties for the Kids' Inaugural Concert at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., Jan. 19, 2013. Cannon was joined by celebrities including Usher, Katy Perry, Far East Movement and Kerry Washington during the tribute to military families. DOD photo by Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.  

Biden noted she and the first lady planned from the beginning to make military families a priority.
“The first lady and I knew from the start that we wanted to celebrate the strength and service of our military families,” she said. “[This] is why we started Joining Forces -- our effort to encourage all Americans to find ways to honor and support our troops, veterans and military families.”
After the show, two young concert-goers from Bethesda, Md., shared their appreciation for an “awesome” show.
“I personally liked the introduction of Usher,” 13-year old Parker Swensrud said. “I thought it was really awesome.” He added that he thought it was “really good” for Joining Forces to put a show like this together.
Swensrud's younger brother, 9-year old Blake, agreed and said his favorite part of the show was also Usher's introduction.. “It's pretty cool, and it makes the military kids feel special,” Blake said.

First Lady Assists Marines at Toys for Tots Event

First Lady Assists Marines at Toys for Tots Event

By Paul Bello

Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Public Affairs

JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING, Washington, D.C., Dec. 12, 2012 – First Lady Michelle Obama arrived here yesterday carrying a big red bag filled with presents -- courtesy of White House staff members.

Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Joel Vazquez escorts First Lady Michelle Obama as she arrives with a sack full of toys at the Toys for Tots Distribution Center at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C., Dec. 11, 2012. White House photo by Lawrence Jackson  

(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

The gesture comes as the Marine Corps ramps up efforts nationwide in support of its Toys for Tots campaign.

As she has for the past four years, Obama joined several Marines inside JBAB’s Naval Marine Corps Reserve Center where they listened to Christmas music, shared some laughs and volunteered to sort toys and clothes into boxes for those less fortunate. The gifts will be handed out to underprivileged children living in the Washington, D.C., area.

“Toys for Tots started with a military family. A Marine reservist and his wife decided to make the holiday a little better for children in need,” Obama told those gathered for the occasion. “Since then, Americans and military families like all of you have spent countless hours bringing gifts and holiday cheer to children all across this country. This is just one example of how military families go that extra mile to serve our communities. I’m proud to be here with all of you today.”

Obama and Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, launched the “Joining Forces” program when they arrived in Washington as a way to honor, recognize and support veterans and military families everywhere. Obama said the program’s goal from the start has been to serve the military as well as they’ve served the nation.

Recently, Obama invited military families to be the first to view the official White House Christmas tree, which is trimmed with ornaments decorated by children living on U.S. military bases around the world. Additionally, guests to the White House are participating in Operation Honor Cards where people send notes of thanks to service members representing all branches of the military.

Pete Osman, president and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation and a retired Marine Corps lieutenant general, thanked everyone in the community for their generosity, particularly in a difficult economy and those who are still reeling from the effects of Hurricane Sandy.

He also thanked Obama, who he said has been the campaign’s biggest supporter over the years. According to Osman, she has always kept her word on coming back to volunteer.

“The first lady literally rolls up her sleeves and helps us sort toys. I’m convinced the success of the Toys for Tots program is a result of the help we’ve gotten from her,” Osman said. “When Michelle Obama leads, the American people follow. And they’ve certainly followed her on this one.”

Osman said there are more than 700 local Toys for Tots campaigns nationwide this year. Toys will continue to be collected right up to the holidays and anyone can volunteer to help out, he said.

"Quiet Moments" in a busy holiday season.

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama walk down the Grand Staircase before delivering remarks at a holiday reception in the Grand Foyer of the White House, Dec. 4, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

First Lady Michelle Obama Receives the 2012 White House Christmas Tree

The official White House Christmas tree, a 19-foot Fraser Fir, arrives in a horse-drawn carriage at the North Portico of the White House, Nov. 23, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

On November 23rd, First Lady Michelle Obama greeted the official White House Christmas Tree, which arrived via horse-drawn carriage. Daughters Sasha and Malia and First Dog Bo also helped welcome the tree. 

This year’s official tree is a 19-foot Fraser Fir that was selected in early October and harvested this month at Peak Farms in Jefferson, North Carolina. It will be displayed throughout the holiday season in the Blue Room. Members of the National Christmas Tree Association have presented the official White House Christmas Tree for display in the Blue Room each year since 1966.

First Lady Michelle Obama, with daughters Sasha and Malia, and the family dog Bo, receives the official White House Christmas tree at the North Portico of the White House, Nov. 23, 2012. The tree, a 19-foot Fraser Fir from Jefferson, N.C., arrived in a horse-drawn carriage. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)