Melania Trump, the First Lady, partnered with Usha Vance, the Second Lady, to welcome families of soldiers at Joint Base Andrews and assemble holiday care packages, marking the start of the Christmas season.
“We speak regularly of the bravery of our servicemembers, and we should,” Melania reflected before packing the bundles. “But we must also illuminate the bravery of those who walk beside them. The spouses, who carry the weight of family life on top of their own dreams.”
“As we celebrate this season of hope, I encourage everyone to also take care of yourselves. Your well‑being is vital not just for our families, but for your own future.”
The First and Second Ladies teamed up with the American Red Cross to craft roughly 700 care packages for military families inside a hangar that housed aircraft such as an F‑16 and a C‑37. Soft Christmas music drifted in the background.
Each bundle was filled with treats like Rice Krispies, Slim Jims, popcorn packets, along with personal touches such as handwritten notes and tissues.
Usha Vance, alongside several cabinet spouses, helped assemble the holiday packages, adding a personal touch to each one.
“The care packages that we’re assembling today are part proud and enduring tradition,” the Second Lady explained. “It’s an honor to contribute to that legacy of service today. As we enter the holiday season, may we be reminded of our shared responsibility for our communities, our neighbors, and our nation.”
The Red Cross has been sending care packages to service members since World War I, providing aid to roughly 220,000 service members and families each year.
Numerous spouses of cabinet secretaries—Jennifer Hegseth, Kathryn Burgum, Liz Wright, Lisa Collins and Marlo Greer—joined Melania and Usha in making the care packages. Cheryl Hines, wife of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr., also participated on the eve of Olivia Nuzzi’s tell‑all book release, which alleged a digital romance with RFK Jr., the former president’s nephew.
During the event, the First Lady, the Second Lady, and the cabinet spouses wrote handwritten notes to holiday‑greet the service members.
“Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Thank you for your service, our nation is proud of you! Warm wishes, Melania Trump,” one of the notes read.
Earlier in the day, the office of the First Lady unveiled the White House’s Christmas decorations, centered around the theme “Home is Where the Heart Is.” She also thanked the volunteers who helped adorn the executive mansion and prepare it for tours beginning Tuesday.
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