Kellie Pickler to Embark on Seventh USO Tour
Country music star Kellie Pickler is joining “Every Moment Counts,” the USO’s new campaign asking Americans to show their gratitude to troops by helping create and provide real, everyday moments for our military families. Pickler’s taking the campaign on the road, on a nine-day USO holiday tour to the Middle East. While overseas on what will be the singer’s seventh USO tour, Pickler will visit two countries, perform five USO shows as well as share, give and take a moment to thank troops for their service and sacrifice.
A long time supporter of America’s armed forces, Pickler has worked tirelessly to provide memorable USO moments for more than six years. In February 2012, the songstress volunteered to help out with the USO’s “Ladies Night” program – a monthly event hosted by USO centers in the Middle East that give female troops a chance to bond and pamper themselves. Backed by a team of her sponsors, Pickler wrapped up some of her favorite girlie items and sent them overseas for a special Valentine’s Day edition of “Ladies Night.” She then popped in for several virtual visits via Skype, where she chatted with servicewomen.
Since first volunteering with the USO in December 2007, Pickler has participated in six USO tours and 75 USO appearances (to include meet-and-greets, autograph signings, performances and hospital visits). She has also entertained more than 30,000 troops stationed in eight countries. Among the countries she has visited are Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Germany, the United Kingdom, Kosovo and Bahrain.
“The USO tours and programs I’ve been a part of have definitely been the highlight of my career, so I‘m honored to join the USO in helping to raise awareness about the many precious moments that our troops and their families sacrifice due to their commitment and service to our country,” says Pickler. “Every Moment Counts is especially close to my heart because it not only recognizes their personal sacrifices, but gives Americans the opportunity to thank our troops with a special gift of a moment.”
The USO kicked off the “Every Moment Counts” campaign on Veterans Day 2013 with help from American pop singer/songwriter Jason Derulo. The campaign encourages the public to visit USOmoments.org and “Take a Moment” to thank our troops and learn more about the challenges they and their families face, or “Give a Moment” by donating to the USO to help provide the resources that support our troops and their families at centers around the world.
