While on the campaign trail, Obama pledged to make helping military families a top priority.
"Just from knowing the pay scale, it's not enough to cover basic costs," she said while campaigning for her husband, then Senator Barack Obama.
She hugged soldiers and posed for photos in a dining facility and then read "The Cat in the Hat" with expressive commentary in a classroom of young children, ages 3 to 5.
"What are you all dressed up for?" Mrs. Obama asked a young girl with a pink bow in her hair. "You have a special guest or something?"
Mrs. Obama kept more substantive discussions for behind closed doors in private meetings.
Obama also met with several community groups at the downtown arts center.
