NEWS

WIRES

OTHER

Holidays bring Tinseltown to U.S. bases in Kosovo and Germany

Six L.A.-based actors will visit U.S. military personnel stationed throughout Germany and Kosovo December 17-January 2 as part of an Armed Forces Entertainment holiday tour.
The star-studded line-up includes Dennis Farina of "Law and Order," James Reynolds of "Days of Our Lives," Bill Brochtrup of "NYPD Blue," Ramon DeOcampo of "The West Wing," Lissa Layng from the feature film "Say Yes," and Amy Danielson from the feature film "Take Out."

"There are few things I have ever done as rewarding as visiting the troops," explains Reynolds who is s chairman of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 2009 National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans. "Being a former U.S. Marine, I think of an Armed Forces Entertainment tour like this, as continuing service; to be able to reach out to these young men and women and bring them a piece of home is the highest of honors."

"This is the best way I've ever spent the holidays," said Brochtrup who has visited service members stationed overseas for the last four years. "I'm proud to--in my own small way--show our troops that the people of America support and appreciate them and that we realize how hard it is to be away from home especially during this season. Meeting our troops is by far the most exciting and fulfilling experience I've been fortunate to have."

Though several of the actors have traveled abroad to spend time with our troops, this tour dubbed the "Hollywood Handshake Tour," marks the first time the six artists will tour with Armed Forces Entertainment. The actors will get up-close and personal with military personnel during autograph sessions and while hanging out at the mess hall.

"I might be slightly star-struck, but the fact is we're so grateful to our talented friends who have volunteered for this tour," said Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Edward Shock, Chief of Armed Forces Entertainment. "It's very exciting to have not just one, but six, Hollywood actors who have dedicated their time to be with the troops for the holidays. This is a special tour for us and we know the service men and women will enjoy it."

Armed Forces Entertainment is the lead Department of Defense agency for providing entertainment to U.S. military personnel serving overseas, with priority given to those in contingency operations and at remote and isolated locations. The Department of the Air Force is the executive agent of Armed Forces Entertainment. Founded in 1951, Armed Forces Entertainment brings a touch of home to more than 500,000 troops annually, embracing the best of Americana that stretches across all genres of entertainment.
For more information on the Hollywood Handshake tour, visit www.armedforcesentertainment.com.