After six days and 17 hours, over 24,000 flight miles, 53 hours of flight time, and seven countries, the USO World Tour led by the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral James A. Winnefeld, Jr., came to a successful conclusion. It was an amazing experience for our Miss America 2015 Kira Kazantsev. “I had the honor of traveling the globe, visiting our troops around the world with the USO. As Miss America, I believe it is my responsibility to thank our troops abroad, and I am so grateful to the USO and Admiral Winnefeld for having had the opportunity,” stated Kazantsev. “Personally seeing the sacrifices that our service members make truly puts things into perspective.”
This year’s variety-style USO tour was a fusion of music, comedy, and heartfelt emotion. The star-studded cast featured Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano, quarterback Andrew Luck and tight end Dwayne Allen; Pittsburgh Steelers guard David DeCastro; American Idol alumni Diana DeGarmo and Ace Young; American film, stage and television actor Dennis Haysbert; platinum recording artist and season 11 American Idol winner Phillip Phillips; as well as motion picture and television personality Jason “Wee Man” Acuna.
The group performed and greeted troops where our military men and women serve to protect our freedom. The tour made stops in Afghanistan, Bahrain, Germany, Italy, Diego Garcia, Hawaii, the Korean demilitarized zone, and the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson — landing while fighter jets took off for missions.
More than 9,500 troops and military families were visited and entertained by the USO world Tour and Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral James A. Winnefeld, Jr.
“I hope Miss Americas continue to have this opportunity,” reflects Kazantsev. “Thank you USO, and thank you to our service men and women!”
To view the 2015 USO Spring Troop Visit Photo Gallery, click here.
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