KCTV 5Michelle Obama wows fans in Kansas City

First lady Michelle Obama wowed military members and energized her husband's supporters during a whirlwind trip to Kansas City on Monday afternoon.

Obama touched down at Kansas City International Airport just before 12:30 p.m. Monday. She was greeted by Missouri Army National Guard service members and their families.

Staff Sgt. Ian Rydzel, his wife and 4-year-old son were waiting on the tarmac.

"She's a big supporter of military families," Rydzel said.

He said he appreciates that under her direction that the federal government now allows spouses to take family medical leave for up to 12 weeks while their husband or wife is deployed overseas.

Staff Sgt. Andrew Schueller said the first lady did more than just shake hands and say hello quickly.

"We actually talked to her," he said. "I was surprised at how interactive it was. She was amazing."

His wife, Jenny, told Obama how much she has appreciated her campaign to combat obesity.

"I shared with her how the kids get me going," she said.

Sgt. Keana Johnson and her daughter, Kyra, and son, Jaylon, were among those invited to meet Obama.

Jaylon said meeting the first lady was "like being at the White House."

Obama then traveled to the 18th and Vine Historic Jazz District for a fundraiser at the foyer of the Kansas City Jazz Museum and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. A large American flag was the backdrop.

The 300 attendees, who were largely women, paid $250 to $10,000 to meet Obama. Those in attendance described the mood as energized during her 30-minute address.

She talked about the accomplishments by her husband, Pres. Barack Obama.

"She reiterated the fact that the president has done so much with healthcare in terms of various bills that he has passed with insurance with kids and being on their parents healthcare, insurance for veterans and then the Iraq War," Manual Dillingham said.

Obama left Kansas City for similar events in St. Louis on Monday afternoon.

The Jazz Museum event raised money for the Democratic National Committee.

The first lady made a campaign stop at the museum in 2008 when her husband was running for president.

Political analyst Steve Glorioso said this stop is critical for her husband, because every little bit counts.

"They're hoping to raise a billion dollars, so the question is why come here and raise a few thousand? First of all, it all adds up. But second of all, these people behind me are the base, this is the Democratic base and you have to keep them fired up," Glorioso said.

Obama helped fire up the crowd at the Jazz Museum by shaking hands and taking photos with attendees. She did not use a TelePrompTer or notes during her speech.

"The cameras do not do her justice," said Myra Dillingham, who helped introduce her. "When you get up close and you look into this woman's eyes, you can see her soul. It is so beautiful. She is much more beautiful than the cameras show."

Obama opened her remarks by saying her thoughts and prayers are with those devastated by recent tornadoes.

She praised her husband's work during his first term particularly the automotive bailout, education and healthcare.

"Your president has worked very hard to dig us out of this mess," she said. "We have a long way to go. We have work to do."

Her biggest applause came when she spoke about the killing of Osama Bin Laden. The crowd also enthusiastically applauded her firing them up to work hard for her husband's re-election this November.

"Are you in? Are you ready to make it happen?" she said.

She did not tour either museum. She left the Jazz District about 2:15 p.m.

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