USO holiday show entertains deployed troops

Multi-National Force-Iraq ^ | Cpl. Triah Pendracki, USMC

[SandRat]

Dave Attell, a stand-up comedian, gets a crowd of service members laughing during a United Service Organization holiday show aboard Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, Dec. 19. Attell and other celebrities showed their support and appreciation for service members deployed throughout Iraq on their USO tour. Photo by Cpl. Triah Pendracki, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Fwd).

AL ASAD AIR BASE — The United Service Organization brought some Christmas spirit to the troops here, Dec. 19, as well-known celebrities took to the stage to show support.

"To see the smiles and reaction of the troops is truly a precious gift," said Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who opened the show. "This holiday show has something for everyone."

Billy Ray Cyrus, a country singer best known for his 1992 hit "Achy Breaky Heart," posed for pictures and chatted with service members backstage before performing some of his songs on stage.

"This is one of those great experiences you will remember for a long time," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Eric Allen, a mechanic with the Seabees. "[Cyrus] is the main reason I came out to the show."

Dave Attell, a stand-up comedian, started the show with some of his best politically incorrect jokes.

"I'm trying to get you guys loosened up," he joked. "Man, you're acting like you guys are all in uniform or something."

Anna Kournikova also appeared on stage during the show. The former tennis star addressed the troops and thanked them for their service.

"I really appreciate the support these celebrities show for us by coming out here," said Cpl. Chris Gary, a supply warehouse clerk with II Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group (Forward). "I have no personal favorites, but this is a great show."

[SandRat]

FR WAR NEWS!
If you would like to be added to / removed from FRWN,
please FReepmail Sandrat.

WARNING: FRWN can be an EXTREMELY HIGH-VOLUME PING LIST!!

[ExTexasRedhead]

Watch this video with your speakers up and grab a Kleenex. This will highlight the contrast between our patriot troops fighting to protect and defend this country and our freedom compared to the thugs in the US Congress trying to destroy our country and steal our freedom in their quest for power.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_P6yU_ymFM

[ErnBatavia]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2414098/posts

[ASOC]

Ana was also on the European USO tour. Very busy (and quite lovely) lady.

[Young Werther]

U believable

S easonal

O utburst

Congrats and Merry Christmas to the entertainers!

[El Gato]

I guess the "Gold Diggers", "Joey Heatherton" and last and hardly least "Ann Margret" would not be Politically Correct these days. But then again, most likely Bob Hope wouldn't be either.

Hope & Gold Diggers, Nakhon Phanom RTAFB, 1968

When I went to AF ROTC field training in '71, they would show us little clips of Hope's USO shows from Vietnam, maybe one joke and then the babes, as a break between lectures.

Ann Margaret & Hope Nakhon Phanom RTAFB, 1968

Almost as popular, after endless shots of Missile Launches, including a double launch later seen in the Superman movie, was the Bloopers reel from the test launch squadron. Missile launch bloopers can be quite spectacular you know. Almost as nice as the Hope ladies, almost.