Look To The Stars News: United Service Organization

Kellie Pickler Joins Road To Ram Jam For The USO

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:45:00 +0000

The Ram Truck brand presents “Road to the Ram Jam,” an all-star country music series featuring five of today’s best country artists leading up to an invitation-only 2012 Ram Jam concert event Dec. 29 in Nashville, Tenn., where all five artists will perform.

The Road to the Ram Jam series will be the ultimate country music fan experience. It will help bring country music fans closer to some of their favorite artists with exclusive video content, the opportunity to win prizes including collectible posters and vinyl records through country radio stations nationwide, free music downloads, as well as a chance to enter to win trips for two to the exclusive Ram Jam concert. Fans can get more information on the Road to the Ram Jam and enter the sweepstakes at www.RamTrucks.com/RoadtoRamJam.

BNA recording artist Kellie Pickler, who recently released her new album “100 Proof,” is the first artist to help launch the series. She is offering fans a chance to win a free download of her latest single, “Tough,” when they enter to win a trip for two to the Ram Jam concert. The remaining four participating artists will be announced throughout the year. All five artists will receive a one-year lease on a 2012 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn truck. The trucks will then be auctioned off in early 2013 with all proceeds going to benefit a military-focused charity of each artist’s choice.

Irish Tenor Anthony Kearns Sings For Charity

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 11:30:00 +0000

Anthony Kearns, acclaimed as Ireland’s Finest Tenor, announced his spring schedule, which takes him across America and back to Ireland singing opera, performing in concerts, and continuing his work “for good.”

“Giving back is a strong focus for me. I am grateful for my career and acknowledge that by helping others through my music.” Kearns devotes considerable time every year singing for worthy causes worldwide. This spring, he will sing for autism awareness, educational, and veterans’ causes.

Kearns works with the U.S. nonprofit Wexford Institute in an on-going series of concerts to support free online resources for educators and families of children with autism. This year, the Wexford Tour will travel to Ireland to assist with the cause there.

Tom Cruise Brings Mission Impossible To Troops In Germany

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 14:30:00 +0000

Tom Cruise and Paula Patton, currently on a world tour promoting “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol,” visited with wounded warriors at USO locations in Germany on Sunday.

Cruise and Patton toured the operations of the USO embedded at Ramstein Air Force Base’s Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility (CASF). The CASF plays a critical role in providing care to wounded who are medically evacuated from Iraq and Afghanistan for treatment at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center and follow-on treatment in the United States. While there, Cruise and Patton met with patients being prepared for MedEvac.

Steve Jobs And Jane Goodall Honored With Inspire Awards

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 12:30:00 +0000

AARP The Magazine has announced the recipients of its tenth annual Inspire Awards, featuring some famous faces.

Each year the Inspire Awards pay tribute to outstanding individuals who inspire others to action through their innovative thinking, passion and perseverance. This year’s list of distinguished honorees includes Jane Goodall (The Conservationist), Steve Jobs (The Game Changer), Andy Czerkas (The AARP Foundation Hunger Hero), Sen. Daniel K. Inouye (The Chief Compromiser), Pat Summitt (The Alzheimer’s Advocate), Irene Zola (The Advocate for the Elderly), Toby Keith (The Supporter of U.S. Troops), Hilton Kelley (The Environmental Advocate), Emilio Estefan Jr. (The Latino Promoter) and Ret. Army Col. Bill Badger, Patricia Maisch, and Roger Salzgeber (The Arizona Shooting Heroes).

“Through their extraordinary efforts to lead, innovate, and give back in ways that make a real impact, this year’s honorees motivate our readers to make a make a difference in their own communities,” said Nancy Perry Graham, Vice President and Editor of AARP The Magazine. “This daring dozen are compassionate and forward-thinking individuals who define inspiration.”

Irish Tenor Performs Tribute To US Armed Forces

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 11:00:00 +0000

On October 20, the Embassy of New Zealand in Washington DC hosted its second-annual musical tribute to America’s armed forces, featuring world-renowned tenor Anthony Kearns, hosted by the ONE Campaign.

The reception, “A Special Musical Tribute: US Military members, Their Families and Their Legacies,” honoured two of the nation’s premier military charities, the USO of Metropolitan Washington and the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Fund.

New Zealand Ambassador Michael Moore commented, “The Embassy was delighted to host this musical tribute with the ONE Campaign for two noble American military causes—the USO and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund. We’re so pleased that the talented Anthony Kearns was able to return for an evening of music in support of America’s military families. I could not have imagined a more perfect evening.”

Jewel To Co-Host Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Veterans Day Special

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:15:00 +0000

ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is teaming up with the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) to present a one-hour special: Extreme Makeover: Home Edition “Rise and Honor” A Veterans Day Special, featuring appearances by some huge celebrities.

Jewel and Ty Pennington

Colbie Caillat Visits Children's Hospital With MusiCares

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 16:30:00 +0000

MusiCares recently hosted a special event with Grammy winner Colbie Caillat for more than 40 children and their families at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville.

Caillat performed an intimate acoustic set, including “Bubbly,” “Realize” and “Brighter Than The Sun.” Following the performance, the children had the opportunity to meet and take a photo with Caillat.

Irish Tenor To Perform At New Zealand Embassy For ONE Campaign

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 12:30:00 +0000

The Embassy of New Zealand in Washington DC and the ONE Campaign will host “A Special Tribute to U.S. Military Members, Their Families and Their Legacies,” Thursday, October 20, 2011, from 6-8 p.m. Featuring a special performance by world-renowned tenor Anthony Kearns, the invitation-only ticketed Embassy gala will benefit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) and the USO of Metropolitan Washington.

This will be Kearns’ second performance at the New Zealand Embassy to benefit the USO. Last year, New Zealand was the first Embassy to host a charity gala for the USO’s Wounded Warrior Program. It is the first time that the Embassy is teaming with the ONE Campaign to honor American military forces.

New Zealand Ambassador Mike Moore said New Zealand is proud to host the charity benefit for the USO of Metropolitan Washington and the VVMF’s effort to build the Education Center at The Wall; a place on the National Mall where military heroes’ stories and sacrifices will never be forgotten.

Celebrities Commemorate 9/11 Tenth Anniversary

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 16:00:00 +0000

This weekend marks ten years since the 9/11 terror attacks, and celebrities are joining the rest of the world in commemorating the anniversary.

Flight 93 National Memorial
Bill Clinton will join George W. Bush, Laura Bush and Sarah McLachlan at the September 10 dedication ceremony of the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Beginning at approximately 9:30 a.m. The memorial service will take place at the newly-opened memorial plaza surrounding the site where Flight 93 crashed at 10:03 a.m. on September 11, 2001. President Obama is expected to visit the Flight 93 National Memorial later that day.

Arnold Palmer And Drew Carey To Be Honored At Charity Gala

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Tony Martell, Founder and Chairman of the TJ Martell Foundation for Leukemia, Cancer and AIDS Research, is proud to announce the honorees for the 36th Annual Awards Gala, which will take place on Thursday, November 3rd at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square.

“There can be no question that these are four of the most illustrious honorees on the planet,” says Mr. Martell. “They care. They are true humanitarians, every one of them. They are honoring us by permitting us to honor them. On behalf of those fighting cancer today and those who undoubtedly will in the future, we are most grateful.”

Golf legend and philanthropist Arnold Palmer will receive the Lifetime Philanthropic Award. For nearly a half century, Mr. Palmer has been one of the best-known sportsmen and businessmen in the world. In just over two decades, the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children has risen from a community hospital serving Central Florida to an internationally-known health care institution, now ranked as one of the country’s “Best Children’s Hospitals” by U.S. News & World Report. Thanks in part to Martell support, these clinicians are increasingly joining forces with researchers around the country and in Orlando to perform research and develop innovative cancer treatments and protocols.

Gary Sinise Foundation Announces New Strategic Director

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 11:30:00 +0000

Retired U.S Navy Captain Kevin Wensing has joined The Gary Sinise Foundation as Strategic Director. Wensing, who served for 26 years in the U.S. Navy and then went on to work for the Deputy Secretary of Defense and the USO, will help develop the resources, relationships and partnerships needed to enable the foundation to better serve those who protect and defend our nation.

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to work with Gary Sinise and the outstanding team he has established at the Gary Sinise Foundation,” comments Kevin Wensing. “Gary Sinise has worked tirelessly in support of our troops, Veterans, First Responders and their families. Gary is admired, and indeed, loved by the men and women of our Armed Forces for all he has done to lift their spirits and make their lives better. In the coming months, with the generous support of the American people, the Gary Sinise Foundation will continue to build on the impressive contributions that Gary has made to those who protect and defend our nation.”

Jon Stewart Visits US Troops In Afghanistan

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 14:00:00 +0000

The Daily Show’s Jon Stewart recently joined illusionist David Blaine and basketball Hall of Famer Karl Malone in Afghanistan to visit US troops with the USO.

“It was an incredible weekend … I can’t really put it into words,” said Stewart on The Daily Show last week. "People can disagree about strategies and (politics), foreign policy and things of that nature, but hopefully we can all agree that the men and women of our armed services are giving so much to our country.

“What a great opportunity that they allowed me to go with them. They’re great people at the USO and it was a wonderful opportunity.”

Jon Stewart And David Blaine To Tour The Troops With USO

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Admiral Mike Mullen will wrap up his four-year appointment as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff by leading a star-studded, eclectic group of celebrities on his final USO entertainment tour overseas this summer.

Admiral Mullen will be joined by “The Daily Show” host Jon Stewart, Hall of Fame forward Karl Malone and illusionist David Blaine as they entertain deployed servicemen and women on a three-country, six-day tour. (Locations and dates of the tour stops remain unannounced for security reasons.)

William And Kate Create Care Packages For Military Children

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 11:30:00 +0000

Their Royal Highnesses, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, better known to Royals watchers as William and Kate, took part in a care package stuffing event at the Sony Pictures Studios in Los Angeles during their trip to the US. In partnership with the USO and Blue Star Families, the Royal Couple helped to create 1,000 care packages for military children as part of their highly anticipated North American trip.

The kits that were produced focus on the children of military families who have parents deployed. Conceived and created by the Trevor Romain Foundation, “With You All the Way” kits help children and their families prepare for deployment, stay connected during the separation and plan for reintegration upon their return home.

Gary Sinise Launches New Charity

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Gary Sinise has announced the official launch of the Gary Sinise Foundation.

The new organization aims to provide programs to honor, educate, support,and entertain servicemen, their families, and people in need

“We’re a staff-specific mission,” Sinise said at a function at the National Press Club last week. “We’ll be working with a lot of different organizations.”

Saving Abel Plays For The Troops

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Rockers Saving Abel kicked off their three-month summer tour with troops and their families stationed in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where they visited and performed as part of a USO tour June 23-26.

The rockers from Corinth, Miss., have been together since 2004 and have become eager USO entertainers since their first USO performance in Feb. 2010, when the guys traveled to Iraq and Kuwait for an eight-day tour. They also performed a free concert last April at Fort Carson, Colo., for troops, their families and the general public.

“We can’t believe it has been more than a year since our last USO tour,” said Saving Abel front man Jared Weeks. “Anytime we get the chance to perform for our men and women in uniform, and their families, we jump at the opportunity. Guantanamo Bay, Cuba … here we come.”

Gary Sinise To Play For The Troops On July 4

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 15:00:00 +0000

USO and troop favorite Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band will be spreading the “Old Glory” cheer at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state on July 4 and at Naval Base Kitsap in Bremerton, Wash., on July 5.

The Emmy Award-winning actor and his 12-member cover band are on tour throughout 2011 and have performed for more than 25,000 service men and women and their families during their first 11 USO concerts. Their stop to JBLM is part of that base’s free “Freedom Fest” that includes a carnival, food and games. Their concert at Naval Base Kitsap is also free.

The actor is officially launching his Gary Sinise Foundation on July 4, to honor the Nation’s defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need.

Gary Sinise To Launch New Charity

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Award-winning actor Gary Sinise will launch the Gary Sinise Foundation on July 4th, 2011 to honor the Nation’s defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need.

The foundation will provide and support unique programs designed to entertain, educate, inspire, strengthen and build communities. 

Some of the many programs include relief for wounded warriors, entertainment for service members and their families, school supplies for children where U.S. troops are deployed, and scholarships for veterans. The foundation will also support and promote several quality organizations, some of which include The United Service Organization (USO), Operation International Children, Snowball Express, Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation, American Veterans Disabled For Life Memorial, Fisher House Foundation, People to People International, Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, TAPS – Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, The FDNY Fire Family Transport Foundation, Hope For The Warriors, The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, The Navy Seal Foundation, and Disabled American Veterans.

Jillian Michaels To Host Celebrity Fitness Tour For USO

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 12:00:00 +0000

This spring, celebrity health and wellness expert and former “The Biggest Loser” co-trainer Jillian Michaels is bringing her larger-than-life personality and brand of conditioning to US service men and women serving abroad as part of a USO tour of the Middle East.

Michaels will be joined on the first-ever celebrity fitness-focused entertainment tour by fellow fitness guru Marco Borges and actress and media personality Celines Toribio for visits to bases that will combine handshakes, chats and photo opportunities with 60-minute, boot camp-style workouts and instructional sessions.

Sesame Street Characters To Visit Guam And South Korea With The USO

Tue, 31 May 2011 15:30:00 +0000

The characters from Sesame Street are set to visit Guam and South Korea next month as part of their special USO tour to help US military families deal with the challenges of deployment and homecomings.

The tour kicked off in Columbus, Ohio, in April at a special event featuring Michelle Obama, and has already toured Alaska and Hawaii.

Colbie Caillat Performs At Warrior Games For Injured Soldiers

Tue, 24 May 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Grammy-winning breakthrough artist Colbie Caillat recently performed an exclusive USO concert as part of the closing ceremonies of the 2011 Warrior Games presented by Deloitte.

The second annual Games were held in Colorado Springs, Colo. at the U.S. Olympic Training Center, and were hosted by the U.S. Olympic Committee and The U.S. Department of Department of Defense.

Gary Sinise To Announce New Charity Foundation

Thu, 19 May 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Gary Sinise, who stars as Det. Mac Taylor in the CBS television series “CSI: New York,” will announce the formation of The Gary Sinise Foundation, a charity dedicated to raising funds for charities supporting the military in a National Press Club luncheon address on Thursday, June 30.

The new organization aims to provide programs to honor, educate, support,and entertain servicemen, their families, and people in need

Colbie Caillat To Play For USO

Thu, 19 May 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Colbie Caillat will hold her first ever concert for the USO this weekend, following the 2011 Warrior Games – a week-long competition hosted by the US Olympic Committee.

Two-time Grammy award-winning singer/songwriter Colbie Caillat will break away from her current tour to honor wounded warriors. The multi-platinum singer will perform an exclusive USO concert for the more than 200 wounded, ill and injured service men and women and their families expected to be on-hand for the 2011 Warrior Games presented by Deloitte. The USO concert concludes a five-day athletic competition, wrapping up a grueling week of intense rivalries, and will serve as an opportunity for warriors to share a one-of-a-kind experience with their families and teammates.

The show takes place at Clune Arena, 2168 Field House Drive, Colorado Springs at 8pm on Saturday, May 21. Find more information here.

Katy Perry And Paramore To Headline USO Celebrity Charity Concert

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Two-time Emmy award winning actress and comedian, New York Times bestselling author and Grammy nominated performer Kathy Griffin will host VH1 Divas Salute The Troops from the Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar in San Diego, CA.

Known for her candid wit, the USO tour veteran has been making audiences laugh for years discussing Hollywood gossip and celebrity blunders. Griffin is a multi-faceted performer who is sure to entertain the troops.

“After having had the honor of performing for our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, it gives me great pleasure to host an evening for them where they can really blow off some steam. I will not hold back, but I can’t speak for Sugarland. It’s going to be a wild night of great music and a heartfelt thank you,” said Kathy Griffin.

Paris Hilton To Launch Charity Initiative For US Troops

Tue, 25 May 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Paris Hilton has been named as ambassador for a new initiative from the USO that aims to give a MP3 player to all US active service troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“I’m always looking for ways I can use my voice as a celebrity and I think there is nothing more worthwhile and patriotic than supporting our troops. When I first heard about the Songs for Soldiers initiative it immediately touched my heart,” Hilton told Fox News. “It’s so easy to take for granted our freedom and happiness and forget about those who are endangering their lives every day to make it possible. Songs for Soldiers is a simple way to show you care.”

Paris will launch the Songs For Soldiers initiative at the A Swingin’ Salute to Our Troops event in New York’s Union Square Ballroom on Wednesday, May 26.