| ARLINGTON, Va. – Three of NBC’s most feared American Gladiators, warriors Jet, Rocket and Venom, will soon make their way to the Persian Gulf and visit troops as part of a USO/Armed Forces Entertainment tour. While in the region, the trio will hang out with service members, tour military outposts and give fitness advice. This is the first USO tour for the group.
Known for their athleticism and agility both on and off the obstacle course, NBC’s “American Gladiators” regularly celebrates and pays homage to American heroes. Whether a service member, nurse, police officer or teacher, everyday athletes compete against these action stars and stunt professionals in contests of physical strength and endurance. Avid supporters of the U.S. military, American Gladiators regularly visit troops to demonstrate their unending support.
“I just returned from spending time in the Persian Gulf in early October and I can’t wait to return,” says Venom. “It’s so surreal – to see and experience first hand everything our nation’s troops are doing for us overseas and what they’ve sacrificed. It has changed me forever.”
Known by her family and friends as Monica Carlson, Jet was the season one female winner of “American Gladiators.” Besides winning money and a car, she returned to the show as an official Gladiator. The mother of twins, Jet is also a sports model and disciplined athlete.
Rocket, who’s real name is Evan Dollard, was the only male contender to take on the Gladiators during season one and live to tell about it. Recognized for his blazing speed and blinding smile, he is a ruthless competitor. A Chicago native, Rocket is a 25-year-old youth athletic instructor.
Venom, whose birth name is Beth Horn, is known for stalking her competitors and striking them when they least expect it. Lethal in any dose, she is a 2007 NGA figure pro, personal trainer and author of “The Natural Way: The Hollistic Guide to Total Mind-Body.”
This trip continues the USO tradition of bringing professional athletes and sports-related events to troops serving far from home. Whether signing autographs, teaching clinics, posing for photos or coaching tournaments, USO celebrity volunteers help service members and their families feel a little closer to home.
AT&T, Inc. is the official telecommunications sponsor of USO entertainment tours. For a list of recent and upcoming USO tours, visit http://www.uso.org/whatwedo/entertainment/. To find out how to support the troops, visit www.uso.org.
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About the USO
The USO (United Service Organizations) provides morale, welfare and recreational services to U.S. military personnel and their families. The USO is a nonprofit, charitable organization, relying on the generosity of the American people to support its programs and services. The USO is supported by Worldwide Strategic Partners AT&T Inc., BAE Systems, Blackwater Worldwide, Clear Channel Communications, The Coca-Cola Company, Gallery Furniture, S & K Sales Co., and TriWest Healthcare Alliance. Other corporate donors, including the United Way and Combined Federal Campaign (CFC-11381), have joined thousands of individual donors to support the USO. For more information, please visit www.uso.org.
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. Visit www.armedforcesentertainment.com for more information.
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