Michelle Obama and Jill Biden in New Hampshire Sunday [VIDEO]

First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden hosted an indoor cookout for troops in Concord on Sunday as part of their national initiative to better support our nation's troops and their families.

The cookout was held at the U.S. Army Department, where the two political figures expressed their dedication to Joining Forces, which was established in April 2011. They were joined by members of the New Hampshire National Guard, Reserve and Active duty and their families.

Biden, who comes from a military family and has a son who served in Iraq, spoke on the need for communities across the nation to support the men and women who fight for them every day.

“I know how much it means when communities rally around family members,” she said.

Obama said that she did not grow up in a military family, but has seen the struggles military families experience as they are forced to move, deal with the absence of a family member and deal with other challenges in their lives.

“The reason why we are here is that we have a very simple message to say thank you for your service, thank you for your sacrifice, thank you for everything you have done for our country,” said Obama.

She stressed that her and Biden's initiative was not for show, and that they are serious about improving the lives of these individuals in every way, including family support, their children's education and mental health issues.

“We want this entire country to recognize, honor and support our military members and families,” she said. “We want you to know that this country has your back.”

Obama and Biden recently launched the Joining Forces Community Challenge, where individuals who find a creative way to help members of the military and their families are recognized for their efforts.

“Jill and I could not be more inspired by all of you,” said Obama.

At the cookout, both women went from table to table to meet members of the military and their families and hear about their experiences.

Classic cookout options from The Meat House, a national chain of butcher shops and grocers (which has a location near the base, on Sheep Davis Road in Pembroke), were served, including chicken, steak tips, hot dogs and hamburgers. 

Obama said their initiative is gaining ground and they are not even close to finished with their efforts to give back to the men and women who give their time to their country.

“We are proud of you,” said Obama. “We want America to know your stories, know your challenges, know your successes, because you make us all proud.”

More information on the Joining Forces initiative can be found here.