During President Obama’s recent visit for APEC, First Lady Michelle Obama spent her time focusing on the two major initiatives that she has launched: Let's Move! - a national effort to reduce childhood obesity within a generation, and Joining Forces - a nation-wide initiative with Dr. Jill Biden to recognize, honor and take action to support military families.

Her first stop was at MA’O Organic Farms in Waianae, the largest Native Hawaiian community in the world and one of the most economically challenged communities in the state. MA'O is a 24.5 acre certified organic farm that grows 35-45 different varieties of produce which they sell to a multitude of restaurants, grocery stores and farmers markets. The farm is primarily run by area youth who participate in the Youth Leadership Training (YLT) internship which requires interns to work for three years, and in exchange, receive a full tuition waiver at a local community college plus a monthly stipend.

After a brief tour of the farm, Mrs. Obama sat down with several students for a conversation about youth leadership, engagement and community responsibility as well as access to healthy, affordable food. 

The students are impressive, choosing to be organic farmers and living off the land while attending college.  The First Lady expressed her pride and respect for their choices and encouraged them to continue on with their dreams, even if others might not think that being a farmer is “cool.”

Before leaving, the students gathered with Mrs. Obama for a group photo.  Media from the White House Press Pool and several local sources gathered behind velvet the rope.

As Mrs. Obama prepared to leave MA’O Farms, it was obvious that her visit would not soon leave the minds of the students she spent the morning with.

Next stop, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Hiring Our Heroes job fair.

Escorted by Captain Jeffrey James, Commander of Join Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, and Kevin Schmiegel of the United States Chamber of Commerce, Mrs. Obama arrived to cheers from the hundreds gathered to hear her speak.

Her speech focused on finding jobs for the thousands of Military personnel who find themselves unemployed after leaving the Military.  Jobs fairs and an online job bank are just two of the many resources available. 

While her visit to Hawaii was brief, The Obamas, along with their two daughters, will be back again later this month for their annual Christmas Holiday in Hawaii.