By Airman 1st Class Cassandra Whitman

Lights, sound check, sing! After a full day touring Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Cassadee Pope performed her first USO concert. After starting her day at the USO center on base, Pope learned about the mission at Eielson and got an up-close look at an F-16 Fighting Falcon.

“I’ve had a very warm welcome from the people here,” Pope said. “I got to tour the grounds and see breathtaking jets. … Being able to thank the men and women who serve our country has been incredible.”

Pope continued her USO tour, visiting multiple bases in Alaska including Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on April 8-9 and U.S. Coast Guard Base Kodiak on April 11.

Pope said she enjoys working with the USO and hopes she can continue her contributions to thanking the members and families of the armed forces.

“I just want to say thank you to everyone who serves our country,” Pope said. “Thank you for allowing me to perform, I’ve had an incredible time.”

Air Force Col. Todd Robbins, the 354th Fighter Wing vice commander, speaks with Cassadee Pope and her tour manager about the F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft April 8 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska.
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Air Force Col. Todd Robbins, the 354th Fighter Wing vice commander, speaks with Cassadee Pope and her tour manager about the F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft April 8 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska.

Cassadee Pope enters the stage at the Ernie Walker Theater April 8,  on Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska.
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Cassadee Pope enters the stage at the Ernie Walker Theater April 8, on Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska.

Cassadee Pope and her band perform during a USO show on April 8, at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska.
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Cassadee Pope and her band perform during a USO show on April 8, at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska.

Air Force Airman Anthony Anderson, a 354th Force Support Squadron fitness specialist, explains how to use a knocker ball to Cassadee Pope April 8 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska.
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Air Force Airman Anthony Anderson, a 354th Force Support Squadron fitness specialist, explains how to use a knocker ball to Cassadee Pope April 8 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska.

You can send a message of support and thanks directly to service members via the USO’s Campaign to Connect. Your messages will appear on screens at USO locations around the world.