Photo By Capt. Angelina Cillo | Gen. Martin Dempsey, Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff, sings “White Christmas” to...... read more read more
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VICENZA, Italy – Gen. Martin Dempsey, the Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff, visited the 173rd Airborne Brigade and other Vicenza-based units Dec. 7, 2014, at a concert presented by the USO to bring some of America’s talent to the paratroopers stationed here.
“This year we decided because of all the things we asked the Sky Soldiers to do, as well as U.S. Army Africa,” says Dempsey. “This would be an appropriate place to come and share their talents with the young men and women and their Families who are doing all the heavy lifting.”
Dempsey explained the important of their presence in Europe to “introduce a commitment by the United States to reassure allies and deter potential adversaries.”
During the year, the brigade deployed approximately 600 paratroopers for seven months on short notice to Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland to establish Operation Atlantic Resolve. This increase of exercises demonstrated commitment to NATO collective defense and sustained interoperability with allies.
The 173rd Airborne is one of five airborne brigades and the only one stationed forward from the U.S. It is the Army Contingency Force in Europe, capable of deploying forces to conduct the full range of military operations across the U.S. European, Central and Africa Commands areas of responsibility in 18 hours or less.
The USO held the event for paratroopers and their families to enjoy. The concert featured songs by country singer Kellie Pickler and star of television’s “Glee” Dianna Agron, giveaways from Washington Capitals pitcher Doug Fister, “Suits” star Meghan Markle and former Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher, and jokes from the show’s master of ceremonies, comedian and former Marine Corps Lt. Col. Rob Riggle.
“The show was amazing!” said Spc. William Molthop, a paratrooper assigned to the 173rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, at the show with his family. “Kellie Pickler was our favorite performer.”
Prior to the show, paratroopers displayed and demonstrated the use of some of the tools of their trade: parachutes, radios, M16s, and night-vision goggles. They were also able to chat and take photos with them.
At the end of the show, Dempsey and the talent sang “White Christmas.”
“On behalf of all of us back home,” Dempsey said to the Sky Soldiers. “We wish you happy holidays and thank you for your service.”
| Date Taken: | 12.08.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 12.08.2014 12:06 |
| Story ID: | 149655 |
| Location: | IT |
| Web Views: | 88 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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