No photos of the event and only the email of a White House Spokespuppet.
President Barack Obama met with the family of American aid worker Kayla Mueller, who died while being held hostage by the Islamic State extremist group.
In an unannounced stop while he was in Phoenix for another event, Obama on Friday offered condolences to her parents, Carl and Marsha Mueller, and her brother, Eric, according to a White House spokesman.
“He appreciated the chance to hear from the Muellers more about Kayla’s compassion and dedication to assisting those in need around the world,” Eric Schultz, deputy press secretary, said in an e-mailed statement.
Updated
President Barack Obama landed at Sky Harbor International Airport late Friday morning for a quick visit that included a round-table discussion at the Phoenix VA Hospital, a meeting with Kayla Mueller’s family from Prescott and a stop at a veteran’s home in Gilbert.
Obama spoke with the family of Prescott’s Mueller, the aid worker who died after being taken hostage in Syria by the Islamic State group.
Obama expressed his condolences and recognized the family’s efforts to set up the foundation “Kayla’s Hands” to improve the lives of others.
The president briefly met with Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey on the tarmac before heading for his first-ever visit to the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center- the same hospital that sparked a national examination into how the government cares for its former military service members.
Hundreds gathered at the intersection of Seventh Street and Indian School Road in central Phoenix to catch a glimpse of the presidential motorcade. About 100 people stood in protest of the visit, not just for the treatment of veterans, but for myriad causes including education, immigration and the proposed mines at Oak Flats.
Vince Ansel, a 67-year-old Vietnam War veteran and patient at the Phoenix VA, said the president insulted veterans when he drove past the VA hospital without stopping during his visit in January. “I’m glad he didn’t interrupt the already poor service at the time, but it was a sign of disrespect for vets,” he said.
HT: Submariner682