Eight Day Five Country USO TOUR
Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, U.S. Marine General James E. Cartwright, is slated to bring a group of celebrity entertainers with him on an eight-day, five-country USO tour.
Among those invited to trek overseas are Atlanta-based rap duo Ying Yang Twins, former UFC champion Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell, model/singer Mayra Veronica and comedians Gabriel Iglesias and Edwin San Juan. As part of the whirlwind visit, the group will spend time with troops and stage a host of hi-energy appearances and shows as they extend America’s gratitude. During many of the stops, the Ying Yang Twins will treat troops to a special performance featuring their lead single “Wild Out,” which will soon be available on i-Tunes.
“It’s incredibly difficult to be stationed far away from family and friends,” said General Cartwright. “The goal of this USO tour is to bring a touch of home to those serving around the world, to put smiles on our troops’ faces and to provide great memories that will last a lifetime.”
As part of an ongoing initiative to give back to those who sacrifice so much for this country, General Cartwright’s USO tour will make stops at a handful of military bases around the globe. General Cartwright will also provide thousands of service men and women with a well-deserved break from their day-to-day activities, and meet with senior military officials.
Rappers Kaine and D-Roc, best known as the Ying Yang Twins, burst onto the music scene in 2000 with their hit single “Whistle While You Twurk.” Often lumped into a group of southern rappers who personified a party or “crunk” style of rap, the duo met in East Atlanta at age 16. Following a successful career underground, the Ying Yang Twins went mainstream in 2002, appearing on Lil Jon’s “Kings of Crunk” album. Currently working on their sixth studio album, the duo has yielded such hits as “Get Low,” “Salt Shaker” and “Wait (The Whisper Song).”
Chuck Liddell made his UFC debut in 1998 with a decisive victory over Noe Hernandez. Establishing a reputation as a fighter that delivers powerful blows, he reigned victorious over such fighters as Tito Ortiz, Renato Sobral and Wanderlai Silva. In May 2004, Liddell catapulted into UFC stardom when he knocked out Randy Couture and won the UFC Light Heavyweight Title. He defended his title successfully five times, all ending with either a knockout or takedown. He surrendered his belt three years to the date of being crowned champion.
One of the rising stars in the recent boom of Latino comedians, funnyman Gabriel Iglesias is the youngest comic in the history of Comedy Central to win “Favorite Comic of the Year” for two consecutive years. Best known for his fluffy style of comedy, Iglesias has appeared on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “Comic View,” “Showtime at the Apollo” and “Premium Blend.” Today, his special, “Hot and Fluffy,” airs on Comedy Central with his DVD in stores nationwide.
One of the most requested comedians working today, Edwin San Juan is sought by many for his laid back style, quick punchlines and elaborate storytelling ability. His recent television appearances include Showtime’s “Comics Without Borders,” Comedy Central’s “The Payaso Comedy Slam” and BET’s “Comic View.” The only non-Latino comedian to appear on the Latino Comedy Festival DVD series, he performs regularly at comedy clubs across the country.
Voted one of the “Top 100 sexiest women in the world” by FHM magazine, Mayra Veronica is an international recording artist and one of the all-time favorite pin-up celebrities of troops around the world, following in the footsteps of such legends as Marilyn Monroe, Betty Grable and Rita Hayworth. Born in Cuba, she has graced the covers of such magazines as Maxim, FHM and Smoke. She has also been featured in countless commercials such as Nike, Loreal and Coca Cola. In 2007, Veronica inked a deal with Universal/Motown Records and this year became the first Cuban-American to ring the closing bell at the Nasdaq. An avid USO supporter, she participated in last year’s USO holiday tour, as well as the USO’s first annual celebrity golf tournament and the 2008 USO World Gala.
Volunteers are the heart of the USO. Their commitment and support of our men and women in uniform allows the USO to carry out its mission 24-hours a day, seven-days a week. Celebrity entertainers serve as the USO’s most visible volunteers. They render their time and talents to enhance the quality of life of service members and boost troop morale. Entertainers who recently participated on USO tours include Ben Stiller, Jack Black, Robert Downey Jr., Trace Adkins, Baby Bash and Anna Kournikova.
AT&T, Inc. is the official telecommunications sponsor of USO entertainment tours. For a list of recent and upcoming USO tours, visit www.uso.org/whatwedo/entertainment/. To learn more about the USO or to find out how to support the troops, visit www.uso.org.
About the USO
The USO (United Service Organizations) provides morale, welfare and recreational services to U.S. military personnel and their families. The USO is a nonprofit, charitable organization, relying on the generosity of the American people to support its programs and services. The USO is supported by Worldwide Strategic Partners AT&T Inc., BAE Systems, Blackwater Worldwide, Clear Channel Communications, Inc., The Coca-Cola Company, Gallery Furniture, S & K Sales Co., and TriWest Healthcare Alliance. Other corporate donors, including the United Way and Combined Federal Campaign (CFC-11381), have joined thousands of individual donors to support the USO. For more information, please visit www.uso.org.
