Mrs. Obama says veterans' skills can help at home

WASHINGTON (AP) -- First lady Michelle Obama says many veterans want their lives to be tours of duty because they have the will and skills to serve their communities after they return home.

Mrs. Obama told service groups and student veterans at George Washington University that what service members learned abroad is what communities need to overcome challenges at home.

The first lady says veterans' leadership skills could help neighborhoods recover from natural disasters. Veterans could also mentor students in the classroom.

She encouraged the public to reach out to veterans and work with them in their communities.

She appeared with Vice President Joe Biden's wife, Jill, and former Secretary of State Colin Powell's wife, Alma.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)