December 18, 2023
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Christopher Grady completed a weeklong USO tour, Dec. 17, after visiting military installations in Europe during six stops with six celebrity guests.
Brett Young, Vince Wilfork, Justin Flom, Penn and Teller, and Dulé Hill accompanied Grady during the eight-day tour through the United Kingdom, Poland, Romania and Germany.
“It was an honor to travel with the USO and an all-star cast of performers to thank our service members and families stationed in the United Kingdom, Poland, Romania and Germany,” said Grady. “U.S. personnel serving overseas are critical to the global Joint Force mission.”
While in the United Kingdom, Grady and the USO participants visited the U.S. Air Force 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath, England. They toured static displays to learn about F-15 Eagle air combat and F-35 Lightning II strike fighter capabilities before eating lunch with Airmen at a base dinning facility.
During a stop at the U.S. Army forward operating site in Powidz, Poland, the group toured the first USO center established in Poland months before Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022. The USO provides global entertainment to thousands of American service members and their families each year from 250 locations to help connect personnel and families to home.
At Mihail Kogalniceau Air Base in Romania, Grady and the USO guests observed a U.S. Army air assault demonstration that included a CH-47 Chinook moving heavy artillery in place before Soldiers also landed to operate the equipment. Later, Wilfork emceed a live show for the deployed Soldiers that included magic tricks by Penn and Teller as well as Flom. Hill hosted a trivia game and Young performed several country music hits.
“The USO performers reflect the strong appreciation and support from the American people,” said Grady. “During this holiday season, we are especially grateful for all who are standing watch and remaining vigilant in defense of our nation and allies.”
Overall, this year’s USO holiday tour participants performed live for 4,000 U.S. troops and family members stationed or deployed in Europe.
As the 12th vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Grady is the second-highest ranking military officer in the United States.
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