Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr. launched the 2015 USO
Holiday Tour from here today with stops planned on three continents.
The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is bringing the USO
troupe to entertain service members in Europe, Africa and Asia.
“The chairman, along with members of the 2015 USO Entertainment
Troupe, will be visiting service members and their families to express the
country's gratitude for their service while deployed during the holidays in
defense our nation,” said Navy Capt. Greg Hicks, the chairman’s spokesman.
Singer/songwriters Kyle Jacobs, Chris Daughtry, Billy Montana and
Brett James will bring a bit of home to service members on the seven-day tour.
Rounding out the traveling group of celebrities are actor/director
Elizabeth Banks of “Pitch Perfect” and “Hunger Games” fame, writer/director/actor
David Wain of “Wet Hot American Summer,” comedian Sydney Castillo, and Boston
Red Sox relief pitchers Heath Hembree and Steven Wright.
USO President J.D. Couch is also accompanying the tour.
Dunford is continuing a tradition started by Air Force Gen. Richard
B. Myers, who brought USO troupes to Iraq and Afghanistan during his tenure as
chairman.
(Follow Jim Garamone on Twitter: @GaramoneDoDNews)