evidence: AP’S ASSESSMENT: False. At least three first ladies have visited combat zones since 1969. THE FACTS: A post circulating on Facebook wrongly states that Melania Trump is the only presidential wife to visit troops in a combat zone since 1969. Trump traveled with her husband, President Donald Trump, to visit troops at a base in western Iraq on Dec. 26. Three former first ladies _ Michelle Obama, Laura Bush and Pat Nixon _ traveled to greet troops in combat zones, as defined by federal regulations, since 1969.