Story by Senior Airman Beaux Hebert
U.S. Air Force Gen. John E. Hyten, the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Ramón “CZ” Colón-López, visited Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska during a USO tour March 2-4, 2020.
In addition to Eielson Air Force Base, the tour stopped at several other locations in Alaska and Hawaii. This is both Hyten’s and Colón-López’s second USO tour.
U.S Air Force Gen. John E. Hyten, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Chief Master Sgt. Ramón Colón-López, Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman, and the USO take a group photo.
Traveling with the pair was a group of entertainers including Matt Walsh, a comedian, Brad Morris, a film writer, Scot Armstrong, a screenwriter, Ilima-Lei Macfarlane, the Bellator Mixed Martial Arts Women’s Flyweight World Champion, DJ J.Dayz, and the band LOCASH.
The USO performers volunteered their time to participate in this special tour to show appreciation for service members and their families.
Service members enjoy USO entertainment.
“We are fortunate to be affiliated with an amazing organization like the USO, which is truly committed to bringing a piece of home to troops around the world. The amazing talent, who have joined us for the second time this year, really show that America cares and supports their service members,” Hyten said.
“Our people are our greatest asset. I am so privileged to have the opportunity to know them and thank them for their service through a USO tour.”
Service members pose with USO entertainers after a show.
During their visit, the group interacted with airmen of all ranks. They ate meals with service members, signed autographs, snapped selfies and spent time traveling around the base to learn about the missions of various units.
Additionally, the group performed comedy skits, dance-offs and a small concert in the base theater. During the concert, Hyten and Colón-López spoke, thanking Eielson airmen for their contributions.
“It’s a privilege to join the vice chairman for our second USO tour and bring a piece of home to our Joint Force teammates. Over the course of my career, I have witnessed first-hand how the USO serves as a Force Behind the Forces, supporting our people and their families wherever they are stationed around the globe,” Colón-López said.
A Marine poses with Ilima-Lei Macfarlane.
Chairman and Vice Chairman USO tours started in 2003 by then-Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Richard B. Myers to express thanks and appreciation to deployed service members away from home for the holidays.
-This story originally appeared on PACOM.mil. It has been edited for USO.org
Every day, America’s service members selflessly put their lives on the line to keep us safe and free. Please take a moment to let our troops know how much we appreciate their service and sacrifice.
