FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. — First Lady Jill Biden met with the families of Fort Campbell soldiers deployed to Europe on Tuesday. 

What You Need To Know

  • Dr. Jill Biden visits Fort Campbell

  • Biden visited families who have loved ones deployed in Europe helping NATO forces

  • Families say the first lady's visit gave the hope

  • There is no timeline on how long the soldiers will be deployed

Deb Lewis’ husband is the deputy commander of operations with the 101st Airborne Division. She says she’s been keeping a close watch on the war in Ukraine.

Lewis said, “Just making sure if we send soldiers over there that we take care of them and that we, as spouses back here, we take care of families and our single soldiers.”

Lewis’ husband isn’t in Europe but says she still wants to support others. She’s had experience with her husband’s 14 previous deployments.

 Lewis told Spectrum News 1 it’s crucial to do so, “To make sure they’re doing well during times of deployment, not during times of deployment to just focus on their wellbeing, mental health, we have counseling.

Mrs. Biden came to Fort Campbell to listen. She knows what it’s like to be part of a military family and says it’s not just the service members who serve our country.

Biden said, “You’re carrying a heavier share of the child care and home responsibilities and you're losing sleep while pride and hope, fear, and frustration wrestle in your mind.”

Doctor Biden’s visit brought hope to families. Her visit promoted the White House’s joining forces initiative to support military families. She said the U.S. is doing it everything it can to help Ukrainians.

“We’re holding Putin accountable for his war through diplomacy and crippling sanctions and we’re providing Ukraine with economic humanitarian and security assistance,” she said.

Lewis is the mother of three and said meeting the first lady was a true honor and a once in a lifetime experience.

“My first time ever doing anything like this and it was incredible to meet her.” Lewis said. “She’s really down to earth. She said hello, and it was great.”

It remains to be seen how long U.S. troops will be overseas, but military spouses know the uncertainty comes with territory.

The Department of Defense says the U.S. military has approximately 100,000 troops in Europe to boost NATO alliance. 

Related Stories