VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - President Obama kicked off his day of campaigning in the battleground state of Virginia with a surprise stop at Rick's Café, where he chatted with military wives about his efforts to better support America's troops.

"I love the fact that this administration is focusing more on military families," Jennifer Farlin told the president, according to pool reports. "Prior to this … we felt lost."

Sitting around a table at the Cajun-style eatery, the president mentioned how private industry is getting more involved in helping military families. "Companies a lot of the time are more than happy to help," he explained.

The restaurant, located just a few miles from the Oceana Naval Air Station, boasts a menu of spicy fried catfish, Louisiana style fried shrimp and hushpuppies. The president, however, did not stay for lunch.

As he exited Rick's, Obama greeted the large crowd gathered outside, shaking hands and, of course, holding a baby.

One woman came down from the nearby hair salon to say hello to the president, her hair still up curlers. "Anybody gettin' their hair done?" Obama joked as he walked up to the ropeline.

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