| 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 de Ocampo 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 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 enough 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 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 servicemen and women will enjoy it.”
QUOTES:
Ramon de Ocampo:
“I've actually always wanted to do a tour like this one. When it was offered to me I jumped at the opportunity. I have portrayed service men in the past (government service men, usually wearing a suit—I was a special agent for the NSA in "XXX:State of the Union", a speechwriter for a president on "The West Wing," and I’ve portrayed Navy and Army men on stage). To be able to connect with our Armed Forces overseas has always been something I have thought would be educational, energizing, and eye opening. I think being able to connect, however simply, especially during the holidays, is the best way to say thank you. I feel very lucky to be a representative for all those who are unable to make the journey, and honored to meet our troops and learn about their experiences. This is important.”
Amy Danielson:
“I decided to tour with Armed Forces Entertainment because it's a fantastic opportunity to use what I do to make a difference for our troops and for our country. I believe in the power of the arts to entertain, heal, create change, and inspire others especially those in need of relief. I feel the arts are a universal way of connecting to people of different cultures, backgrounds, and ways of life. I'd like to use this opportunity to connect with such honorable and distinguished women and men who serve our country every day. I'm proud to be an American and proud of our troops, and I'm looking forward to spending the holidays with them as we travel abroad.”
For more information on the Hollywood Handshake tour, visit www.armedforcesentertainment.com.
19-Dec-2008 Show USAG Hohenfels, Germany
20-Dec-2008 Show USAG Bamberg, Germany
21-Dec-2008 Show USAG Grafenwoehr, Germany
22-Dec-2008 Show USAG Stuttgart, Germany
25-Dec-2008 Show LRMC Hospital, Germany
26-Dec-2008 Show USAG Kaiserslautern, Germany
27-Dec-2008 Show Camp Bondsteel , Kosovo
28-Dec-2008 Show Camp Bondsteel & Film City, Kosovo
31-Dec-2008 Show Edelweiss Lodge, Germany
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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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