March 4, 2020
FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska – The Vice Chairman’s annual USO tour kicked off yesterday with a performance for service members and their families stationed at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska.
Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. John E. Hyten and Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman Ramon “CZ” Colon-Lopez are leading the tour, which includes stops in the United States over the next few days.
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.
This is both Hyten’s and Colon-Lopez’ second USO tour.
“We are fortunate to be affiliated with an amazing organization like the USO, who are truly committed to bringing a piece of home to troops around the world. The amazing talent, who have joined us for the second time this year, really show that America cares and supports their servicemembers,” said Hyten. "Our people are our greatest asset. I am so privileged to have the opportunity to know them and thank them for their service through a USO tour.”
This year’s tour includes comedian Scot Armstrong, actor Matt Walsh and Brad Morris, country band LoCash, MMA fighter Ilima-Lei Macfarlane, and DJ J. Dayz.
“Our service members often serve in austere and remote locations both in the US and overseas. Through partnership with the Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the USO strives to boost morale and resiliency for our troops through events like the USO Vice Chairman's Tour,” said Christopher Plamp, Senior Vice President, USO Operations, Programs, and Entertainment.
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.
"It’s a privilege to join the vice chairman for our second USO Tour and bring a piece of home to our Joint Force teammates. Over the course of my 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,” said Colon-Lopez.
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