Michelle Obama makes stop at LRAFB | News

JACKSONVILLE, Ark. (KTHV) - Central Arkansas gets a visit from America's First Lady on Thursday. 

Michelle Obama came to Little Rock Air Force Base (photo gallery) on her mission to fight our country's obesity epidemic. She specifically came there to recognize efforts that they've put in place with a pilot nutritional program, now being spread across military bases nationwide.

"Just talk a bit about the readiness issue," First Lady Michelle Obama says.  

You may recognize that voice, sitting around a table of Little Rock Air Force Base officials, First Lady Michelle Obama.

"I'd love to hear a bit more about what you all are seeing," the First Lady said.

She's learning about a pilot program here, offering more nutritious food to airmen, and impressed by the effort so far.

"This is a model for what we will see throughout the armed services, which is one of the reasons we wanted to come to this base," Mrs. Obama said.

As part of her visit, Mrs. Obama announced Thursday a national campaign to improve nutritional standards across the armed services for the first time in 20 years.

"This is a big day, that's why we brought all these people, it's huge," the First Lady said.

The campaign will get more fruits and "veggies", leaner meats and low-fat dairy products into dining halls, snack bars and school cafeterias on bases. And the First Lady says it's helping improve our health and more.

"It's not just a diet issue, this is truly a national security issue," the First Lady said.

She says a recent Army study showed more than a quarter of American 17 to 24-year olds are too overweight for military service. And she feels that if our current soldiers and airmen step up now, younger generations will follow.

"Simply put, this is an example of America's entire military once again stepping forward to lead by example," the First Lady said.

And starting at places like Little Rock Air Force Base, ready to also serve a healthier lifestyle.

Officials at Little Rock Air Force Base say they've added new food items like salads with grilled meats, fresh wraps and specially-portioned plates of healthier meats and vegetables. So far, they tell us it's been well-received by the airmen and that this new campaign will trickle down to their families as well.