Vice president's wife caps Asian trip with Kadena block party

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan — Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, capped her four-country tour of Asia at a block party Thursday for servicemembers and their families at Kadena Air Base on Okinawa.

The second lady traveled to South Korea, Vietnam and Laos earlier this month to promote economic empowerment and educational opportunities for women and girls, the White House said. She then stopped in Japan to participate in events tied to her and first lady Michelle Obama’s Joining Forces initiative to support servicemembers, veterans and their families.

At the USO block party, Biden mingled with the crowd during a performance of the all-servicemember band Tops in Blue. She then presented the Presidential Volunteer Service Award to USO volunteer Niki Reed.

Biden thanked those in attendance for their service, sacrifice and dedication to the United States and invited them to speak with her about their concerns and needs.

“My son Beau (Biden) also served in the Iraq War,” Biden said. “As a military family member, I understand how proud you are of your service and the sacrifices you make for our country.”

Beau Biden died in May from brain cancer.

Biden signed autographs for children, posed for pictures and wept with and embraced several family members