Kellie Pickler Has Been Named ‘USO Global Ambassador’

Country singer, songwriter, actress and TV personality Kellie Pickler has just been named as a USO Global Ambassador by the United Service Organizations (USO).

Pickler has been an ardent supporter of the U.S. servicemen and women, having served in a total of 12 USO tours to date, visiting 13 international locations (Afghanistan, Germany, Iraq, Poland, Kosovo, United Kingdom, Kuwait, Bahrain, Kyrgyzstan, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Norway), a ship at sea, and three domestic locations. Of her 12 tours—which started in 2007 in Iraq—Pickler has participated in five annual USO Holiday Tours with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

“I am honored to join the USO as a Global Ambassador for their 80th anniversary of supporting America’s military and especially this campaign encouraging all Americans to give more than thanks,” Pickler shares humbly in a statement. “The USO has allowed me so many opportunities to serve those who serve us, and this is another way I can help shine a light on something that matters…supporting our servicemen, servicewomen, their families and letting them know we don’t take what they do for granted.”

In her new role, Pickler, alongside fellow USO Global Ambassador, actor and producer Wilmer Valderrama, will support the organization’s Give More Than Thanks initiative, in honor of the 80th anniversary of the United Service Organizations. As part of the campaign, Americans will be encouraged to find actionable, practical ways to express their gratitude for the tireless service and sacrifice our troops and their families make.

“We are honored to have these two longtime advocates come on board as USO Global Ambassadors,” adds J.D. Crouch II, USO CEO and president. “Kellie and Wilmer have seen, firsthand, the importance of the USO mission and the impact it can have when we express the nation’s gratitude to our Armed Forces. We hope their continued support will invite more Americans to join them to honor the sacrifice and service of service members and their families.”

Outside of her career as an acclaimed artist and actress, the North Carolina native has been fervently dedicated to using her platform to give back and be a part of things that matter—particularly, devoting her time to serving the U.S. military.

Last year, the “Red High Heels” and “Best Days Of Your Life” singer teamed up with her husband, songwriter and producer Kyle Jacobs, for a USO Military Virtual Programming (MVP) session, bringing music and smiles to those serving overseas. The event was broadcast to 34 locations in the United States, Qatar, Guam and Japan. Pickler is also recipient of the Department of Defense Spirit of Hope Award, Operation Troop Aid Chris Kyle Patriot Award and USO of North Carolina’s Heart for the Warrior Award.

Throughout the year, both Pickler and Valderrama will participate in events and entertainment engagements for service members, raise awareness of our military’s needs, and share ways Americans can help the USO give more than thanks. For more information on the USO Give More Than Thanks campaign, click HERE.