Thursday, December 18, 2008

Rockin' USO


No Fancy Venues, But the USO Stars Rock
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service


KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, Dec. 17, 2008 – This year’s Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff USO Holiday Tour has played at an aircraft hangar in Germany, in a maintenance facility and in an in-processing facility here in Afghanistan.

The tour’s stars -- Kid Rock, Kellie Pickler, Lewis Black, Tichina Arnold, Zac Brown, Kathleen Madigan and John Bowman -- have played far more prestigious venues, but probably none as appreciative. And their usual audiences generally don’t get this warning:

“In case of a rocket attack, let’s do what we always do – hit the ground and count to 100,” Army Brig. Gen. John Nicholson, deputy commanding general for stability at Regional Command South, told the audience here. “If it continues, the performers will leave, and you will leave to take shelter. But when the all-clear sounds, they will come back and you will come back, and they’ll pick up where they left off.”

The performers rocked at every show. U.S. troopsand their allies got world-class entertainment under challenging conditions. Joint Chiefs Chairman Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said the performers are national treasures who came for the purpose of saying thanks to the servicemembers, and giving them a little touch of America.

Kid Rock worked his appreciation for the servicemembers into his “If I Were President” blues song. He told them, “As long as you are out here, you can count on me to keep coming back.”

In the middle of Kathleen Madigan’s performance in Kandahar, the all-clear siren sounded. She wasn’t sure what the siren meant, but she kept right on with her bit, incorporating it seamlessly into her comedy.

The comedians kept the audiences roaring, and servicemembers sang along with Kid Rock’s, Kellie Pickler’s and Zac Brown’s songs.

“It was freaking awesome,” said Army Spec. John Barnett, who saw the show at Forward Operating Base Sharana in Paktika Province. “Not too many people come out here – it really is the middle of nowhere -- so we all really appreciate it.”

“These guys could be having fun back with their families – it is the holiday season,” said Air Force Staff Sgt. Annette Gant, who caught the show here. “Instead, they are with us. We can’t thank them enough.”

Mullen told servicemembers at every stop that he appreciates their sacrifices and those of their families.

“Thank you for volunteering at a very crucial time in our nation’s history,” he said. “Thank you for all you do for our country and for the people of Afghanistan.”

In an interview later, Mullen said the universal comment from servicemembers when he meets them is an expression of thanks for bringing the entertainers to perform for them.

“It’s something that they will remember for life, and I hope that as the years go by they remember and do something for USO,” he said.

10 comments:

Call Me Grandma said...

Thanks to the USO for all they do for our troops.

Tami said...

AM,
I think it is wonderful that these entertainers take time to do these shows.
As I make my last minute holiday purchases these are the people that I will remember and it will be their products that I buy.

aam

Julie D said...

I love to see celebrities doing their part for our country, don't you? We certainly make them rich enough...it's nice to see them pay back a little.

Unknown said...

grandma...the USO has been a blessing for many years!

Unknown said...

tami...it is all about giving. Thanks for stopping by!

Unknown said...

julie...I could not agree with you more, we do help them to become wealthy, it is refreshing to see them give to our tropps!

Steelers Wine Girl said...

I completely agree - I always think so much more of celebrities when they participate in an USO show. And it's great to find out how many people do this.

Michelle said...

These people do such a valuable service. Anything that helps take the services members mind off of the mission at hand for just a couple of hours is so great. Thanks for sharing this information.

Unknown said...

swg...it is a great way for celebs to set an example to respect our Armed Forces!

Unknown said...

michelle...you are correct, they do deserve a break form their mission, thank goodness the celebs take care of our military, as they do!