Melania Trump, Usha Vance, and Cheryl Hines create handwritten notes, care packages for service members

First lady Melania Trump teamed up with second lady Usha Vance to greet military families at Joint Base Andrews and create holiday care packages for service members to mark the start of the Christmas season.

“We speak regularly of the bravery of our servicemembers, and we should,” the first lady reflected before assembling the care packages. “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 partnered with the American Red Cross to make some 700 care packages to military families inside a hanger with multiple aircraft, such as a F-16 and C-37. Soft Christmas music played in the background.

Care packages included treats like Rice Krispies, Slim Jims, popcorn packets, and items like handwritten notes and tissues.

“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 giving care packages to service members since World War I, and sends aid to roughly 220,000 service members and families each year.

Numerous spouses of cabinet secretaries, including Jennifer Hegseth, Kathryn Burgum, Liz Wright, Lisa Collins, and Marlo Greer joined Melania Trump and Usha Vance in making the care packages. Cheryl Hines, the wife of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. also joined on the eve of the release of a tell-all book by author Olivia Nuzzi, detailing her alleged digital romance with RFK Jr., the former president’s nephew.

During the festivity, Melania Trump, Usha Vance and cabinet spouses wrote handwritten notes to give a cheerful holiday greeting to 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, based around the theme “Home is Where the Heart Is.”

The first lady also thanked the volunteers who helped adorn the executive mansion and get it ready for tours, which start Tuesday.