Gen. Dempsey visits Airmen during USO holiday tour

Published Dec. 9, 2014
By Staff Sgt. Eboni Reams
39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- U.S. Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff visited Incirlik Air Base during a United Service Organization holiday troop visit Dec. 8, here.

The general, joined by singers, actors, sports icons and a comedian is on his fourth and final USO tour to visit armed forces members during the holiday season. Incirlik AB is one of five countries and shows for this tour.

"Every year we try to go someplace where I can introduce the great talent that USO assembles, but also where I can learn something about the mission that we're trying to accomplish globally," said the general. "Incirlik was a natural stop because of its importance as a NATO ally and what's going on to the Southeast and Middleast. I came here to say thank you for being part of the team."

Incirlik AB is a forward and strategically located base that has an important mission of readiness. The general shared what's important for the Airmen who accomplish this mission to know after having dinner with a few Airmen at the Sultan's Inn dining facility.

"The cohesion of this unit really stands out," said the general. "You're great ambassadors for the United States. This isn't my first trip here, what's new of it is the increasing importance of this region."

Kellie Pickler from American Idol and Diana Agron, from the TV show Glee, hit the stage at the Incirlik AB Fitness Center and performed for a crowd of more than 300 attendees. Pickler crooned some of her Country Western hits while Agron got the crowd involved while singing her holiday song favorites.

One of the stars explained what performing for military members serving abroad means to them personally.

"Being here is an honor," said Brian Urlacher, former linebacker for the Chicago Bears. "It's overwhelming. I've had friends who told me about these tours but you can't really understand until you're here, and you hear the stories."

Doug Fister, former Washington Nationals pitcher, shared how this event is close to him.

"Taking a little time to visit the people who sacrifice their time day in and day out for our freedom is important to me, said Fister. "It's near and dear to my heart because I have had family members to serve in different services, and it's truly an honor to give back."

With the mission of continuous readiness even throughout the holiday season, Incirlik AB members took time to enjoy a night of entertainment. The top ranking officer of the Armed Forces closed the show with a special rendition of a holiday song and thanked the Airmen and families for their continued sacrifice of service.

"Thank you all from the senior leaders of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for helping us get the job done, and also working with our Turkish partners," said the general.