SMA Preston brings USO goodwill tour to FOB Union III

Photo By Sgt. Eunice Alicea Valentin | Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders Nicole Hamilton (left) shakes hands with a U.S. Navy sailor during a meet and greet Dec. 18. Hamilton visited FOB Union III with the Sergeant Major of the Army Hope and Freedom Tour 2010, a USO-affiliated holiday tour throughout Iraq.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

12.30.2010

Story by Sgt. David Scott 

United States Forces – Iraq, Deputy Commanding General (Advising and Training)

BAGHDAD - Sergeant major of the Army Kenneth O. Preston and a cast of performing artists visited with service members Dec. 18 while touring with the United Services Organization during the holidays.

Preston spent the midday hours with an audience from the combined forces of the United States Forces – Iraq’s advisory and training mission at the Babylon Conference Center in central Baghdad.

The sergeant major of the Army USO Hope and Freedom Tour 2010 is a variety entertainment show, reaching out to U.S. service members through music, comedy and goodwill. The show has been a holiday tradition since 2002.

The group of entertainers accompanying the sergeant major to FOB Union III included country music artists Buddy Jewell, Keni Thomas and Emily West; model, show host and sports reporter Leann Tweeden; actress and singer-songwriter, Alana Grace; and comedienne Chonda Pierce along with Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders Nicole Hamilton and Brandi Redmond.

“It is an opportunity for those in the entertainment industry, representing all of America, to come over here and say thanks to all of our service members,” Preston said of the tour.

The Army’s highest ranking senior enlisted advisor said he was grateful for the service and sacrifice made by U.S. service members and their families in the defense of freedom over the past decade.

“We’re very, very proud of the sacrifices they make; the sacrifices their families have made, for all these years,” he said. “Personally I am very proud of their contributions and what they do every day for our country and what they are doing here specifically for the Iraqi people.”

Preston introduced the celebrities participating in this year’s tour, who then shared their diverse talents with approximately 125 service members in the crowd.

After the performances, Preston and the tour members signed autographs and took pictures with the service members.

• Date Taken: 12.30.2010
• Date Posted: 12.30.2010 05:56
• Story ID: 62774
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ