ST. PAUL  (AP) — Military families are telling Michelle Obama that she came to the right place to learn about helping them when she arrived in Minnesota.

The first lady flew to the Air National Guard Base Friday afternoon for a round table discussion with local military family members and representatives of support groups. The event was part of her Joining Forces initiative, which aims to connect and promote support and resource groups for military families.

Mrs. Obama calls Minnesota "a model" when it comes to providing resources and support to military families.

Minnesota Army National Guard Sgt. Shane Hudella tells Mrs. Obama that the state's Beyond the Yellow Ribbon network of military support groups could serve as a template for the country.

Hudella is founder of Defending the Blue Line, a group that helps children of military families play hockey.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.

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