Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs Jonathan R. Hoffman provided the following readout:
President Donald J. Trump, Vice President Michael R. Pence, Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark A. Milley spoke with service members and military families by phone on April 1 to discuss COVID-19 response efforts.
The President, Vice President, Secretary and Chairman all offered their appreciation for all service members and their families as the nation battles the coronavirus pandemic, both here at home and across the globe.
President Trump thanked service members and their families for their selfless service to the nation amid the coronavirus outbreak. The President noted the wide-ranging support by the Department of Defense from New York to California, and stated the nation owes a debt to our nation's service members and their families.
Vice President Pence joined the call and reiterated the Administration's appreciation and support for military families. As the father of a Marine captain and father-in-law of a Navy lieutenant, Vice President Pence shared his personal appreciation for all that service members and their families are doing in support of the nation's effort in this fight.
Secretary Esper thanked the President for his leadership and the whole-of-nation response to the pandemic. The Secretary also thanked service members and their families before expressing the department's commitment to: 1) protecting the force; 2) preserving the military's medical capability as it provides medical support to areas hit hard by the coronavirus; and 3) adequate treatment and testing for service members and their families.
Chairman Milley thanked the President for his leadership, as well as his appreciation to all service members and their families for their commitment and sacrifices. Before opening the line to questions, the Chairman stated the military was taking every step to ensure the health and safety of our troops and families while protecting the nation.
Questions and items discussed focused on the military's support capabilities, long-term impact of the coronavirus on the nation and advice to military families experiencing deployment extensions and change of duty station delays.
At the conclusion of the call, the President again shared his appreciation with all who were on the call and reiterated the Administration's commitment to defeating the coronavirus.