It’s not every day the First Lady mentions you in a speech!
On Wednesday, Michelle Obama, Jill Biden, and Prince Harry toured Ft. Belvoir. Jon Meadows had his artwork on display at the USO Center, and, well, here’s what happened next:
Michelle Obama: “Earlier today, I caught up with one of those tremendous caregivers who I’ve gotten to know over the years. Her name is Melissa Meadows. And her husband Jon sustained severe brain and nerve injuries in Afghanistan almost three years ago. And his injuries were so serious that one of his doctors described him as an ‘advanced Alzheimer’s patient.’
Melissa, like so many in this room, dropped everything. She left her job as a nurse and cared for Jon full time, helping him in and out of bed, managing the family’s finances, managing Jon’s medication, all of his appointments, and so much more. And while she was supporting her husband, Melissa started supporting other caregivers as well. She helped organize a network to help other caregivers share information and ideas here at Fort Belvoir. …
And today, with Melissa’s support, her husband Jon continues to recover. I got a chance to spend some time with them and saw his amazing art work — another incredible therapy that is happening here at Fort Belvoir.
So it’s just amazing to see. It’s been amazing to keep up with their story. And as all of you can imagine, recovery, it’s a long road. There are starts and stops. There are good days and bad. But Melissa, Jon, they are fighters, just like all of you. Jon has made incredible progress. And as I said, through the art therapy program with the USO and The Art League, he’s unlocked this amazing talent for sculpture and painting that he didn’t even know existed. I actually commissioned him to do a piece for the President’s Christmas present from me, so please don’t tell him. Jon even has his own pop-up art exhibition in Alexandria.”
Thank you to Mrs. Obama for your support of the IMPart program, and good choice on your Christmas present! Read her full remarks here. For more about IMPart, click here.
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