USO News
Fourth of July Weekend Events: A Time of Celebration
Friday, July 01, 2011
The Fourth of July weekend is upon us and the USO helping our troops -- both deployed and stateside -- enjoy a little bit of home and the great country they represent.
Friday, July 1: NFL Coaches Tour to the Middle East
The 2011 NFL football season may still hang in the balance, but NFL coaches are hitting the tarmacs to visit our troops deployed to the Middle East. Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak, Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt, former Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints head coach Jim E. Mora and his son, former Atlanta Falcons head coach Jim L. Mora continue the NFL’s 45-year partnership with the USO by meeting with servicemen and women, posing for photos and talking football.
“All of us involved with the National Football League are extremely fortunate and privileged to do what we do,” said Whisenhunt, whose father, brother and father-in-law all served in the Air Force. “We have the opportunity to pursue our passion in the greatest country in the world and that’s a freedom that we don’t take for granted. The way of life that we enjoy as Americans is a result of the commitment, dedication and sacrifice made by countless men and women serving our country in the Armed Forces and it will be an honor to meet many of them on this trip.”
Jim Mora, Sr., a former Marine, jumped at the chance to join the tour.
“As a former Marine officer, I have the utmost appreciation and respect for what our military personnel go through to preserve our country's freedom. I know this trip will be one of the highlights of my life and I hope I can in some small way bring a sense of home and joy to our troops overseas who serve our country so valiantly."
See images from the NFL coaches' tour through our Flickr page.
Combining loves of history, cycling and American troops past and present, bikers began a five-day trek through D-Day battlefields on June 1 at Normandy Cemetery. After registration and a flag raising ceremony, the bikers then set off to spin through such legendary sites as Carentan, Cherbourg and Caen before ending in Liseux. Then it’s on to a visit of Paris before heading home. Sound amazing? Go to Ride2Recovery’s Web site to see their other events and get rolling on a future ride. And for updates of the Normandy event, visit the Ride2Recovery Facebook page.
Monday, July 4: Wounded Warrior and Help for Heroes 10K Run & BBQ at USO Leatherneck
At 6 a.m. Camp Leatherneck Afghanistan time, the USO there will be conducting a July 4th Wounded Warrior and Help for Heroes 10K Run & BBQ. Odds that the smell of a grill and thoughts of cookout delights will produce some personal bests from the runners? Highly probable.
USO and troop favorite Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band will be spreading the “Old Glory” cheer at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state on July 4 and at Naval Base Kitsap in Bremerton, Wash., on July 5.
The Emmy Award-winning actor and his 12-member cover band are on tour throughout 2011 and have performed for more than 25,000 service men and women and their families during their first 11 USO concerts. Their stop to JBLM is part of that base’s free “Freedom Fest” that includes a carnival, food and games. Their concert at Naval Base Kitsap is also free.
Monday, July 4: Salute The Troops Independence Day Celebration at the White House
Flip through these photos from the special day on the White House lawn.
Watch this video that showcases the events that took place thanks to the First Family.
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