Vice President J.D. Vance and his family visited Fort Campbell, Kentucky, for Thanksgiving, handing out meals to troops. A viral clip shows three-year-old daughter Mirabel distributing butter packets, prompting Vance’s amused remark: “She takes her job very seriously.”
Building on these points, VP Vance urged prayers for the two National Guard soldiers, Sarah Beckstrom and Andrew Wolfe, shot in a horrible D.C. attack. In the wake of the attack, President Trump announced 500 more Guard deployments in response to the senseless violence. Likewise, War Secretary Pete Hegseth greeted troops in the Caribbean amid tensions with Venezuela, echoing prayers and resolve from the White House.
Speaking during his visit to Fort Campbell, Vice President Vance offered his thoughts for the wounded guardsmen. “I want everybody who’s a person of faith to say a prayer for those two National Guardsmen…it’s a somber reminder that soldiers…are the sword and the shield of the United States of America,” he noted.
Giving a bit of commentary on the Thanksgiving holiday itself, he said, “Thanksgiving – what we celebrate tomorrow – is a uniquely American thing. At the heart of it is the spirit of gratitude.” The VP added, “The happiest people that I’ve ever met – the most successful people that I’ve ever met – they live their life with the spirit of gratitude.”
But by far the best moment came when the Vice President started joking with the troops while he and his family served them. He served the mashed potatoes, Second Lady Usha Vance helped their kids Ewan and Vivek serve rolls to the troops, and their daughter Mirabel served butter pats to soldiers and their families.
While serving the troops alongside his daughter, Vice President Vance deployed his typical humor and build some rapport with the troops, many of whom were there with their families, saying, “She’s insisted that you take the butter. She takes her job very seriously.”
Watch the clip here:
"*" indicates required fields
Giving his own remarks on the same day, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth welcomed out servicemen. “On behalf of my wife Jenny and me, I want to wish America’s best, our warriors, a happy Thanksgiving,” he announced to applause.
Building out his comments, Hegseth noted, “We’re pulling for them, and we have their backs. And yeah, we’re prayerful, but we’re also increasing our resolve just like they are, that we will keep the Capitol safe and secure the American people.”
Concluding his comments, the War Secretary announced, “But we really wanted to spend Thanksgiving with the troops. There’s no better way to do it. On mission down here for Southern Spear, we’re really excited to get out there and go see them.”
Likewise, President Donald Trump made it clear that the attacks on our national guardsmen were unacceptable. “It was a crime against humanity. The hearts of all Americans tonight are with those two members of the West Virginia National Guard and their families. The love of our entire country is pouring out for them, and we are lifting them up in our prayers,” he said.
Wrapping up his speech. Trump noted, “As we are filled with anguish and grief for those who were shot, we’re also filled with righteous anger and ferocious resolve.” Later, when it was revealed that one of the soldiers had been killed, Trump was filled with rage.
Continuing, he said, “Sarah Beckstrom of West Virginia, one of the guardsmen that we’re talking about, highly respected, young, magnificent person, started service in June of 2023, outstanding in every way. She’s just passed away. She’s no longer with us. She’s looking down at us right now. Her parents are with her. It’s just happened.”
Likewise, FBI Director Kash Patel echoed the president’s comments. “Sarah Beckstrom was a young soldier and patriot with her entire life ahead of her. Please join me in praying for Sarah’s family, friends, and fellow soldiers left behind,” he declared.
Featured image from embedded video