Meet the USO’s Newest Global Ambassador: Chef Carla Hall

By Kristen Loflin

For generations, the USO has brought moments of connection to service members around the world through the power of entertainment. Whether through well-known USO tours or virtual visits into Centers and homes across the globe, the list of entertainers who have dedicated their time to giving back to our nation’s Armed Forces is extensive, ranging from the indomitable Bob Hope to Toby Keith, all positively impacting the military community and leaving a legacy at the USO.

Today, a new generation of entertainers has stepped up to provide service members with a touch of home, often when they need it most. Acting as a bridge between the military community and the American public, these USO entertainers not only express our nation’s gratitude for those serving, but also help raise awareness around the important USO mission of strengthening the well-being of service members and their families. Proudly known as USO Global Ambassadors, these individuals often have a deep connection and appreciation for the military.

In 2026, we are excited to announce our newest USO Global Ambassador: chef, author and television host Carla Hall.

Boosting Morale Through Cooking and Connection

Carla has shared her passion for cooking with service members since 2014, providing a taste of home on USO tours and special events all around the world. As a co-host of the 2023 USO Salute to Military Chefs, Carla honored top culinary professionals in the military – celebrating camaraderie among those with the same enthusiasm for food. She has also shared her talent through cooking workshops for service members in Washington, D.C., Colorado, Spain and Italy, and provided baking lessons virtually during USO Cookie Week.

“I have had the honor of supporting the USO for more than a decade, and I am thrilled to have this opportunity to continue giving back to our military community,” said Carla. “Cooking has a special way of bringing people together, and I am excited to help service members and their families find connection through shared experiences.”

As a trained chef, Hall has worked in professional kitchens in the Washington, D.C., area. She competed on Bravo’s “Top Chef” and “Top Chef: All Stars”, co-hosted ABC’s lifestyle series “The Chew” for seven years, and has appeared on numerous Food Network programs including “Halloween Baking Championship,” “Holiday Baking Championship” and “Best Baker in America”. She is also an author of cookbooks and children’s books and is the publisher of Sweet Heritage magazine.

With the philosophy of always cooking with love, Carla looks to continue connecting service members with home through culinary activations, event participation, USO Center visits and more.

USO Global Ambassadors

Carla joins other distinguished USO Global Ambassadors, all lending their time, talent and platforms to inspire communities to stand behind our service members and their families:

• Wilmer Valderrama, actor, producer, activist and author
• Vanessa Lachey, television personality, host and actress
• Regan Hutsell, Miss America 2027
• Aaron Jones, NFL running back, pro bowl athlete and community advocate
• Vince Wilfork, NFL Hall of Famer, two-time Super Bowl Champion and five-time pro bowl athlete.
• Tyler Florence, acclaimed chef, television host and restauranteur.
• David Boreanaz, actor, director and producer.

View the official announcement here.