During her visit to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Usha Vance, the second daughter, commended U.S. military families as role models for both the nation and her own family.
On Wednesday, Vance shared with military families that the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) and military families are among her “best partners” in her efforts to address “declining literacy rates” and improve student engagement in schools.
“It’s an honor to be here at Camp Lejeune, home to many of our nation’s dedicated Marines and their families,” Vance expressed. “It’s particularly meaningful since it’s close to Cherry Point, where my husband JD was stationed.”
She noted that her husband, Vice President J.D. Vance, has shared numerous stories about eastern North Carolina, making it feel like home to her.
“I truly appreciate your dedication to the Marine Corps’ longstanding values of duty, honor, and service,” Vance remarked, adding that the vice president recently referred to the U.S. Marine Corps as exemplifying “boldness in action, unity in purpose, and an electrifying readiness to respond to our nation’s needs.”
Vance went on to describe her day spent with military families at the base’s elementary and high schools, mentioning, “It’s encouraging to see the schools thriving and the students so involved.”
“Your commitment to fostering strong communities and schools is incredibly inspiring,” she continued. “Military families set an example not just for our country but for my family as well, especially for those of us engaged in public service.”
Vance’s sentiments echoed those of First Lady Melania Trump, who previously visited the base. She participated in a “small group discussion about artificial intelligence and social media research” at Lejeune High School.
During her time at the base, Trump expressed that she and President Donald Trump often hold U.S. soldiers and their families in their thoughts and prayers.
Moreover, she discussed the growing importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in modern warfare, asserting that the U.S. Marine Corps would “always hold a vital role in achieving mission success.”
President Trump noted, “Technology is transforming warfare.” He emphasized that AI would fundamentally alter combat dynamics more than any previous technology since nuclear arms. He pointed out that key shifts would involve the speed of weapons, decision-making, and defense strategies. He reinforced that while artificial intelligence is already influencing the battlefield, the Marines will continue to be crucial for mission success.
