Obama, first lady make stops in Hampton

HAMPTON, Va. (AP/WAVY) - President Barack Obama visited Langley Air Force Base Wednesday, where he was joined by First Lady Michelle Obama to promote parts of his jobs bill that could help veterans and spouses find jobs. The Obamas also made stops at a pumpkin patch and ate lunch at a pizzeria in Hampton.

Obama left the Spring Hill Suites, where he spent the night in Hampton, at 9:45 a.m. As he headed to Langley Air Force Base, people lined the street snapping photos and waving at the presidential tour bus. ( Click here to watch Obama's motorcade in Hampton .)

As the motorcade approached the gates of the air force base, a handful of people wearing green shirts held up signs as part of Hampton's effort to encourage Obama to designate Ft. Monroe as a national monument.

First Lady Michelle Obama was not at the hotel with the President, but joined him at Langley.

The first lady announced that the American Logistics Association has committed to hiring 25,000 veterans and military spouses by the end of 2013. Mrs. Obama is leading a national campaign to rally the country around its veterans. This follows the President's initiative to hire 100,000 veterans and spouses by the end of 2013.

Obama said Wednesday that every company should want to hire veterans because of their leadership experience, mastery of cutting-edge technology and other skills. However, unemployment among veterans is high.

"Just think about how many veterans have led their comrades on life and death missions by the age of 25. That's the kind of responsibility every business in America should want to take advantage of. Those are the workers every company would want to hire," Obama said.

Obama wants Congress to approve separate tax credits worth thousands of dollars for businesses that hire veterans who've been out of work for at least six months, including those with disabilities.

Obama was also met at the base by Gov. Bob McDonnell and Virginia first lady Maureen McDonnell.

The Governor wore a green tie in support of Hampton’s efforts to encourage the President on the Ft. Monroe issue . McDonnell told Wavy.com, "President Obama did not make any commitments, but he understands why we think Fort Monroe needs to be a National Park."

McDonnell and his wife presented the Obama’s with a gift basket that included homemade cookies baked at the Governor’s mansion and a bottle of Barboursville Chardonnay from Barboursville Vineyards, which is approximately 20 miles north of Thomas Jefferson’s home at Monticello.

The President and first lady took the stage in a hanger filled with 500 service members, guests and business representatives. Obama left the stage at 11:06 a.m.

After the Langley visit, the President and Mrs. Obama made a surprise stop at Wood's Orchard Farm Market, located on E. Mercury Blvd., scooping up some orange and white pumpkins, apples and peanuts.

President Obama said the two white pumpkins would be carved and displayed in front of the White House.

Then they stopped for lunch at Anna's Pizza and Italian Kitchen, located in the Russo Village Shopping Center in Hampton, having a meal with four veterans from different parts of the nation who had attended the earlier event at the base.

Some diners at the pizzeria took pictures of the Obamas sitting with the veterans, while others looked shocked by the spectacle of the president and a gaggle of press descending on their lunch.

The Obamas left the restaurant at 12:52. As the Presidential bus tour made its way up N. Armistead Ave. residents lined the streets.

Children and teachers from Luthern W. Machen Elementary School lined the back fence of the school‘s playground to wave as the president passed by in his bus.

After the Presidential bus leaves Hampton Roads, it will travel to North Chesterfield, Va. where Obama is scheduled to speak at a local fire station.

He will then return to Washington later Wednesday.