WASHINGTON (AP) --Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel is vowing to stop what he calls the "insidious crime" of sex assaults in the military -- but also to make sure victims are not neglected in the process.

Hagel left the Pentagon Monday to visit the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network's Washington office, which has a contract with the Defense Department for the Safe Helpline -- a crisis support for sexual assault victims that provides live information and support online and via phone and text. The Pentagon says more than 20,000 people have sought help through the Helpline.

Hagel listened as the group's staff walked him through an online chat session and watched workers take calls and respond to victims on computers set up in front of a bulletin board full of thank you notes from victims. He later told workers they should take time to read those notes as a reminder of their important and difficult work.

BETHESDA, Md. (AP) -- Michelle Obama says she is shining a light on military families who are her heroes and a medical facility that treats them as she gives thanks during an early Easter celebration.

The first lady visited the Fisher House at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Monday as families decorated Easter cards.

She thanked the Fisher House for providing military families with "a home away from home" during tough times. The program gives temporary housing for military families while their loved ones receive medical care.

Mrs. Obama was accompanied by first dogs Bo and Sunny, as she handed out cookies made by the White House pastry chefs in the shape of the Portuguese water dogs and the White House.

She also brought tickets for next Monday's White House Egg Roll.

North Las Vegas, Nev. -- Four fire departments including North Las Vegas, Las Vegas Fire and Rescue, Nellis Air Force Base and Clark County responded to a fire at a recycling plant in North Las Vegas Friday afternoon.

The fire started just before 3 p.m., but crews took a couple of hours to put out hot spots.

There is still no word on what caused the fire, but it is likely combustible material inside a scrap pile are to blame, officials said.

North Las Vegas Fire will be the primary investigators into the cause of the blaze.