MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii -- A group of celebrities traveling with a United Services Organizations tour visited Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, Monday, to give thanks to the Marines and Sailors for their service to their country. This tour group made a stop in Hawaii after visiting service members in Iraq, Germany, Kosovo, Kuwait, Afghanistan, and other places across the globe where troops are stationed.
“I understand the value of being part of one team,” said Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff. “All of you Marines are role models for people in other countries. It’s not just what you all do, it’s how you do it.”
The USO, a nonprofit organization, has been in existence since before World War II. It is not a part of the U.S. government, but is supported by the President of the United States and Department of Defense.
The USO currently operates 122 centers around the world, including six mobile canteens, with 73 located in the continental United States and 49 overseas.
“I’ve been on seven USO tours, and I’ll keep going on them as long as they need me,” said Leeann Tweeden, supermodel and sports reporter. “I mean out of all the people I’ve met and performed for, military members are by far the best crowd — and that keeps me coming back.”
Tweeden said one thing that pushes her to do the tours is the fact that her father was in the Air Force and she thinks military members do so much for the country, so going on tour with the USO is the least she can do for them. Comedian Colin Quinn echoed her feelings.
“This is my fifth or sixth tour with the USO,” said Quinn. “I feel like with all you all do for us, this is something I can give back to you. Doing this for the military members gives me a humble feeling, probably not the extent that people fighting in Iraq feel, but I know I’m not just thinking about myself.”
Quinn said he plans on doing the tours as long as the USO will allow him, and as long as entertainment is needed.
“I’ve been to a lot of places on the tour — Germany, Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan and a lot of other interesting places,” said the former “Saturday Night Live” cast member. “It’s great to see what really is being done when you get out of your comfort zone.”
Gale Sayers, retired NFL Chicago Bears halfback, said that seeing young men and women keeping America safe is one of the most unbelievable sights that he has ever seen.
“It gets emotional, going on this tour and seeing the people who are in the fight,” he said. “It’s like when I played football — it’s all about teamwork. You all are on the same page and all have the same patriotic attitude towards your country.”
Sayers said that although it is rough going on the USO tours, because he has a business to run, he admitted that doing these appearances is well worth his time.
“I try and balance my schedule around the USO tours every year,” said Tweeden. “It’s something I look forward to doing every time the chance comes around, so I make time and put all the other stuff that’s going on in my life at the time, to the side.”