Celebrities and Musicians That Support the Troops

I would like to salute the actors, cartoonists, cheerleaders, comedians, musicians, race car drivers, sports stars, writers and other celebrities who visit combat zones and military bases to support the U.S. military - as these rather special people lay aside politics to support Americans who arrive in uniform from all sides of the political spectrum.

According to the USO web site, it all began on “May 6, 1941, (t)hree months after the USO was founded, (when) Bob Hope led a group of celebrities to perform for airmen stationed at March Field (now March Air Force Base) in California …”

While reading about the celebrities who participated in the USO programs in the past, it is obvious that it was, and still is, an honor to be selected to participate in the USO programs - much the same way that it used to be an honor for celebrities to serve in uniform (also still an honor, although not done that much anymore - probably due to the fact that World War II really was the war to end all big wars - which is normally a statement about World War I - which is to say that World War II was much worse).

This Hub, by the way, is only a short list. I'll grow the list as I have time. Meanwhile, feel free to read some of the historical footnotes at the USO Wikipedia page. A number of the celebrities sacrificed their own lives and health to pull off USO missions. The logistical nightmare of trying to protect famous people flying into combat zones is off the charts.

The Short List:

• “Lieutenant Dan,” otherwise known as Gary Sinise ("Forest Gump’s" double-amputee lieutenant in the movie of the same name). Mr. Sinise’s USO resume is huge. His band - the Lt. Dan Band - has played for hundreds of thousands of soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines at Stateside and overseas bases around the world. He actually should be the first person noted on this list, as he is the most proactive celebrity force the USO has ever known. You can see his activities on Armed Forces Network television infomercials as we speak, and he has a forthcoming documentary. If they awarded honorary military promotion to USO tour celebrities, I would recommend him for promotion to captain for his efforts.

• The Charlie Daniels Band. Charlie Daniels has also been a huge supporter of American fighting men and women – playing at locations within the contiguous United States – and at overseas U.S. military bases around the globe.

More of the Short List - in Alphabetical Order

• Ben Stiller
• Carrie Underwood
• Chuck Norris
• Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
• Earth Wind and Fire
• Garry Trudeau
• Jack Black
• Jessica Simpson
• Kevin Costner
• Kid Rock
• National Cartoonists Society
• National Hot Rod Association
• Robert Downey Jr.
• Robin Williams
• Sammy Davis Jr.
• Scarlett Johansson
• Stephen Colbert
• Toby Keith
• Trace Adkins
• Wayne Newton
• And many more ...

Honorable mention, of course, goes to the helicopter girls in Apocalypse Now (sorry, had to mention).