Jan. 6, 2020
MIHAIL KOGALNICEANU AIR BASE, Romania – The Chairman’s annual USO tour kicked off today with a performance for service members deployed to Romania.
Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. John E. Hyten, USO President Dr. J.D. Crouch II, and Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman Ramon “CZ” Colon-Lopez are leading the tour, which includes stops in the U.S. European area of responsibility over the next few days.
This is Hyten’s first USO tour since becoming Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs and Colon-Lopez’ first USO tour since becoming SEAC.
“It is important to bring a piece of home to our deployed service members to show America’s commitment while they serve in defense of our nation,” Hyten said.
The USO tour started in 2003 by then-Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Richard B. Myers to express thanks and appreciation to deployed service members away from home for the holidays.
“As we enter a new decade, we are privileged to bring a piece of home to our service members overseas. In partnership with the Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the USO strives to boost morale for our troops deployed far from loved ones through the USO New Year’s Tour. Along with USO entertainers, Gen. Hyten will help the USO express America’s gratitude for our nation’s heroes,” said Crouch.
This year’s tour includes Washington Nationals Aaron Barrett and Adam Eaton, comedians Scot Armstrong and Matt Walsh, actor Brad Morris, country band LoCash, MMA fighters Felice Herrig and Ilima-Lei Macfarlane, and DJ J Dayz.
"Over the course of my military career, I have witnessed first-hand how the USO serves as a Force Behind the Forces, supporting our people and their families wherever they are stationed around the globe. I am excited to join the Vice Chairman on our first USO Tour and to have the opportunity to meet and thank forward deployed members of our Joint Force team," said Colon-Lopez.
All USO performers volunteered to travel in the new year to participate in variety-style shows and troop engagements to show service members that America remembers them and values their service.
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