KANSAS CITY, Mo.- First lady Michelle Obama visited with nine Missouri National Guard members and their Families on March 5 when her plane touched down at the Kansas City International Airport.
While in town to attend a fundraising event for her husband at the Kansas City Jazz Museum, Mrs. Obama requested to meet with local military Families.
With the national initiative, Joining Forces, Mrs. Obama and Dr. Jill Biden are making it a priority to speak out for further support of service members and their Families.
Army Staff Sgt. Ian Rydzel, along with his wife, Krissondra, and son, Declan, had the honor to first welcome Obama when she departed her plane. He serves as a platoon sergeant with the 135th Signal Company and has been deployed to Bosnia and Iraq.
Immediately Krissondra and the first lady made a connection.
"It was so cool," Krissondra said. "It was a once in a lifetime thing. She asked about our Family and talked about how important Family is. She just wanted to make sure we were okay, which is pretty amazing having the first lady ask if you're okay."
Krissondra is a fifth grade teacher with the Shawnee Mission School District. As both a mom and educator, she said the experience to greet the first lady was amazing.
Obama made a point to speak to, shake hands with and even hug some of the Guard family members that were on site. Conversations ranged from career direction, education aspirations and physical fitness. The first lady thanked the group for their service, both in the military and at home.
"It shows a level of respect for the entire group," said Nicole de Fee, wife of Army Staff Sgt. Jeremy Neece. "I think people underestimate how tough it is to have your spouse in a combat zone. I don't think people realize the toll that it takes on people and to have that recognized is kind of nice."
"You leave out the spouses, you leave out half the force," Neece said.
Neece serves with the 1141st Engineer Company (Sapper) and has been deployed to Iraq twice and most recently to Afghanistan.
Of all the conversations that were exchanged during the brief encounter, the most intriguing question posed to the first lady may have been by four-year-old Declan.
What was her snack on the plane?
"It was popcorn, bagels, candy and apples," Declan said.