An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | July 3, 2019

Chief of National Guard Bureau hosts USO tour

By Sgt. 1st Class Jim Greenhill National Guard Bureau

WASHINGTON — Air Force Gen. Joseph L. Lengyel, the chief of the National Guard Bureau, will host a USO tour featuring comedians, actors and other celebrities who are scheduled to perform for Service members and their families based in Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia.

This is Lengyel’s first USO tour since becoming CNGB and a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

“It’s an honor to join the USO to thank our Guard members and all Service members and their families for all they do to keep our nation safe,” said Lengyel. “It’s important they know everyone back home values their service and cares about them.”

The six-day tour is scheduled to include stops in six different countries in Europe, Southwest Asia and Africa and is designed to boost morale for Service members and families stationed overseas. The tour also gives the volunteer talent an inside look at what the U.S. military does to protect the nation.

“Embarking on our first tour with Gen. Lengyel is a true honor,” said Alan Reyes, USO chief operating officer. “Together, we will bring a touch of home to our men and women in uniform while underscoring the important role the National Guard plays in the defense of our nation.”

Performers on the tour include: actress Mayim Bialik (Big Bang Theory); singer Laura Bryna; comedian Anjelah Johnson; Nia Franklin (2019 Ms. America); actress Toni Trucks (Seal Team); The Voice champ Cassadee Pope; and former UFC champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson This will be the second USO tour for Pope and Jackson.

 

 

Related Articles
Staff Sgt. Randy Scales, readiness noncommissioned officer, assigned to C Company, 1st Battalion, 189th General Support Aviation Battalion, Montana Army National Guard, rides with a litter during VITA Rescue System training at Fort Harrison, Montana, July 29, 2026. The training certified instructor personnel on the new hoist rescue capability before the instructor personnel train additional aircrew members across the unit. Photo by Senior Master Sgt. Devin Doskey.
Montana Guard Improves Rescue Ability With New Hoist System
By Senior Master Sgt. Devin Doskey, | July 30, 2026
HELENA, Mont. – Montana National Guard Soldiers recently completed instructor certification on a new hoist rescue capability that enhances stability during helicopter rescue operations and improves patient recovery in...

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 201st Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers, Pennsylvania Air National Guard, install reinforcement plates on roof trusses at Redwood National and State Parks near Orick, California, July 14, 2026. The steel plates strengthened key joints in the roof framing before the structure was enclosed. Photo by Airman 1st Class Austin Stern.
Pennsylvania Guardsmen Strengthen Engineering Skills, Preserve Redwoods
By Airman 1st Class Austin Stern, | July 30, 2026
ORICK, Calif. – Pennsylvania Air National Guardsmen partnered with the National Park Service through the Department of War’s Innovative Readiness Training program this summer to complete construction projects throughout...

Staff Sgt. Kevin Propes, Survey Team Member, 10th Civil Support Team, Washington National Guard, talks with representatives from Anduril Industries during a new technology fielding of an advanced counter-unmanned aircraft systems. Courtest photo.
Washington Guard Advances Counter-Drone Capabilities
By Joseph Siemandel, | July 30, 2026
CAMP MURRAY, Wash. – With unmanned aircraft systems continuing to evolve as a threat to military installations, critical infrastructure and public events, the Washington National Guard has taken a significant step forward in...