USO tour brings celebrities, cheer to Bagram servicemembers

Air Force ^ | Tech. Sgt. John Jung, USAF

[SandRat]

12/17/2009 - BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (AFNS) -- Hundreds of Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines gathered here Dec. 15, to enjoy a United Service Organizations' Holiday Troop Visit tour featuring country singer and actor Billy Ray Cyrus, tennis pro Anna Kournikova, acclaimed comedian Dave Attell and legendary tennis coach and inspirational speaker Nick Bollettieri.

The celebrities are joining The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen and his wife, Deborah Mullen, for an USO-sponsored holiday troop visit as part of a 13-show whirlwind tour to boost the troops' spirits during the holiday season.

Mr. Atell, known for his unique humor on Comedy Central, warmed up the crowd and had them laughing and clapping with his signature comedy before Mrs. Kournikova and Mr. Bollettieri addressed the assembled crowd with inspirational stories.

Both tennis greats thanked all the servicemembers for their sacrifices while deployed in harm's way.

"I am extremely proud and privileged to be here," said Mrs. Kournikova. "Thank you so much to you and your family for all you do. It's just an incredible honor for me to come out and visit you guys and try to spread the holiday spirit. I really hope you enjoy the show."

"There is nothing better than doing shows for you guys," added Mr. Attell, who has been a part of five previous USO shows.

"It is an honor to be here. Thank you for being over here and being our heroes," said Mr. Cyrus before performing several of his most popular songs including 'Achy-Breaky Heart' and the patriotic 'Some Gave All.'

In an interview after the show, Mrs. Mullen wrapped up by saying, "I wish more people [like these celebrities] in the U.S. could come out and see the servicemen and women and the difficult environment that they work and live in. They're far from home and far from their loved ones and families, and being able to come and see them and talk with them, and to see the joy in their faces... it's a privilege that I have, and one that I will keep and treasure as long as I live."

[SandRat]

Billy Ray Cyrus, singer/actor, entertains the Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines at Bagram Airfield
during a United Service Organization tour Dec. 15, 2009. Mr. Cyrus, Dave Attell, Anna Kournikova, and Nick Bollettieri
attended the USO tour to boost the morale of the servicemen and women. Mrs. Kournikova is a tennis pro originally
from Russia and now lives in Miami, Fla. Mr. Attell, a comedian, is originally from Queens, N.Y. Mr. Cyrus hails from
Flatwoods, Ky. Mr. Bollettieri, tennis coach/motivational speaker and hails from Pelham, N.Y.

(U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Felicia Juenke)

[SandRat]

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[MrNatural]

..singer and actor Billy Ray Cyrus, tennis pro Anna Kournikova, acclaimed comedian Dave Attell and legendary tennis coach and inspirational speaker Nick Bollettieri.,

Wrong picture.

[SandRat]

You might wish to go to the source link as it affords you the opportunity to comment.

[AnnGora]

Hmmm, bless them for entertaining the troops. But, let’s face it, Bob Hope and Joey Heatherton they ain’t.

[SandRat]

You said it!

[SueRae]

A huge thank you to these stars for their support of our heroes.

[Bobalu]

Anna K is very cute an all but Gary Sinise is who I’d like to meet if I were over there.
He has made the trip to see the troops many times.
Seems like a swell guy...

[ditto h]

Thanks for the post SandRat. As a former Marine who saw Bob Hope in Denang in 67, I appreciate the work that these entertainers do. Semper Fi. brother.

[SandRat]

This was in Today's Ft Huachuca Scout Weekly Post Paper.<> Humor offered to Heros

Top comedians have recorded their best acts to CD for those in uniform and their families titled "Stand Up for the Troops."

This free disk includes comedy acts from Chris Rock, Adam Sandler, Ray Romano, Jeff Foxworthy, Dana Carvey, Dennis Miller, and more.

To download the tracks, military personel need a valid military ID, and go to www.cdforthetroops.com, or the Army and Air Force Exchange Service we site, www.AAFES.com.

In addition to the free download, 200,00 CDs will arrive at military installations and other locations thoughout the U.S. and overseas.

Now this is SWEET!

[ASOC]

THanks for posting!