The First Lady Thanks Trailblazing Service Women

ABC's Whitney Ksiazek reports:

"It's never been an easy path; I can only imagine how challenging it has been and continues to be.  I know that some of you have faced skepticism, ridicule, some of you had to contend not just with the challenge of doing your jobs but with others perception that you weren't up to the job strictly because of your gender," the First Lady said as she thanked over 130 veterans that attended the East room tea at the White House.

Dr. Jill Biden gave the opening remarks, reaffirming the administration's commitment to raising awareness about the special circumstances women face in the military. She also took the opportunity to reiterate her and the first lady's' pledge to encourage all Americans to support the military through acts of service.

The First lady went off script to single out a few "firsts" that were in attendance, "along the way, you all broke one "brass ceiling" after another." She recognized the first female four star general, the first woman in the Navy to be promoted to Master Chief, the first woman in the Army Reserve to be promoted to the general officer rank, the first woman in the Army to receive the Expert Field Medical Badge and the first African American woman to serve as Chief Nurse at Walter Reed Hospital.

She accredited General Wilma Vaught for the event, who suggested to her that she should follow in the tradition of Eleanor Roosevelt and host a tea for service women earlier this year.

"We know that our servicemen and women's sacrifices are their families' sacrifices as well," the First Lady and Dr. Jill Biden said that they have learned over the course of the year that "service doesn't just end with the person wearing the uniform. "

Mrs. Obama reminded the distinguished guests that their legacy was more than just their own service, but that their legacy will be measured in the service of every woman who follows in the trails that they've blazed.

The First Lady announced that she was proud to sponsor a new Coast Guard cutter in honor of Coast Guard Commander Dorothy Stratton, who led the SPARS during World War II.

She summed up the spirit of the history of women in uniform in one phrase, "watch me."

"Watch me succeed.  Watch me risk everything I have for the country I love.  Watch me do my part to protect this nation and protect this union.  Watch me."

Secretary Napolitano and Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. James Cartwright also gave short remarks and thanked the attendees.

FLOTUS Fashion Watch: The First Lady wore a high-waisted periwinkle pencil skirt paired with a short sleeved patterned blouse with a purple bow.