By Robin Givhan–Washington Post–

First lady Michelle Obama, on Tuesday afternoon, delivered a promise of more federal money dedicated to supporting military families — the first tangible results of her many visits to bases and hospitals, as well as conversations with veterans and their loved ones in 2009.

In a 20-minute speech to the Joint Armed Forces Officers’ Wives’ Luncheon at Bolling Air Force Base, Obama announced a 3 percent increase in funding over the 2010 fiscal year budget. That bump-up in dollars would bring spending on military support — from child-care services and improved housing to spousal-education programs — to $8.8 billion.

“These are all major investments,” Obama said in her speech. “They are the result of military families speaking up and being heard. And they are part of a larger ongoing commitment to care for our troops and their families even after the fighting ends.”

Even before Obama became first lady, she emphasized her concern for military families and the stresses placed on them as the country fights two wars. She spent part of last year reaching out to servicemen and women and their families through private conversations and public events. She thanked them for their dedication before she and vice-presidential spouse Jill Biden attended the opening game of the World Series. And she honored their history when she hosted a tea for military women at the White House. Mostly, however, Obama was on a listening tour.

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