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Michelle Obama Honors Vets At NASCAR Races

HOMESTEAD (CBSMiami) – First lady Michelle Obama and Vice-President Joe Biden's wife Dr. Jill Biden were booed as they prepared to kick off the big race at the Homestead Miami Speedway.

Just as they were introduced the crowd booed. But both handled it well and told the drivers, "gentlemen start your engines."

The pair attended the final day of races at the NASCAR Sprint Cup finale to honor military troops and families and recognize new commitments by companies planning to hire and train veterans and military spouses.

It's part of their Joining Forces program.

The women received a standing ovation at the pre-race drivers' meeting Sunday.

Mrs. Obama said NASCAR has been "amazing in terms of its support, not just today but every day for military families." She added that days like this remind military families that "they do have a country that cares and appreciates what they do, and it means so much to them."

Shortly after they attended a barbeque for military families held in a garage at the track. The audience there applauded the two.

"Its great to know that we have good support behind us and that the troops are out there everyday doing the hard work and we know that everybody back home is helping us being supportive very supportive of us," said James Spooner, a Florida Air National Guardsman.

(TM and © Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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