Women in Military Tea Hosted by Michelle Obama

First Lady Michelle Obama hosted a tea for the 130 military women and those important to them in the East Room of the White House on Wednesday afternoon.

Obama, along with Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General James Cartwright, all gave remarks at the tea.

While guests dined on miniature tea sandwiches, cookies and fruit, Obama arrived, tall and graceful and wearing a lavender dress. Praising all the women do for our country, Obama recalled Army Sergeant Amy Krueger, who recently lost her life in the attacks at Fort Hood.

“When Amy’s mom said she couldn’t take Osama down by herself, Amy said ‘Watch me,’” Obama said. “I feel like it’s something you all have said at one time or another, watch me succeed, watch me risk everything for a country I love. Thank you for your service and God bless you all.”

— Report and photographs by Kate Oczypok

First Lady Michelle Obama

Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden

Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General James Cartwright

Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano

Marine Corps jazz ensemble