WATCH: First and Second Ladies bring holiday care packages to service members

The president and vice president’s wives spoke briefly to nearly 100 military spouses, American Red Cross volunteers and others who gathered inside a hangar at Joint Base Andrews near the nation’s capital for the event.

Watch in the video player above.

First Lady Melania Trump praised the couple for carrying “the weight of family life” while their husbands or wives are away from home serving the country.

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Osha Vance, whose husband, Vice President J.D. Vance, is a former Marine, said the holiday season is a time to “raise the bar” for those who serve.

After speaking, both women took up positions at tables to help set up “comfort kits” as they were filled with Rice Krispies treats, peanuts, granola bars and handwritten notes. They also joined others who were writing holiday cards to deployed service members.

The First Lady wrote in one of her cards: “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Thank you for your service. Our nation is proud of you!” She signed it: “With warm wishes, Melania Trump.”