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
Air National Guard Major General Gary Charlton, commander of the New York Air National Guard, left, and Command Chief Master Sergeant Michael Hewson salute while taps played during the New York National Guard headquarters Memorial Day ceremony in Latham, New York, on May 21, 2026. Photo by Stephanie Butler.
N.Y. National Guard Marks Memorial Day With Ceremony
By Eric Durr, | May 21, 2026
LATHAM, N.Y. – Soldiers, Airmen, Naval Militia members and civilians who work at the New York National Guard headquarters in Latham marked Memorial Day with a short ceremony May 21 at the building’s Fallen Soldier...

U.S. Air National Guard Tech. Sgt. Fernanda Van Pratt, 162nd Aircrew Flight Equipment, or AFE, noncommissioned officer in charge, stitches a parachute at Morris Air National Guard Base, Arizona, May 1, 2026. During a major vertical inspection the 162nd AFE flight earned a top-tier rating, leading the inspector to share their modernized mobility deployment kits with Air National Guard units nationwide, enhancing mission adaptability across the force. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Hampton Stramler.
Arizona Guard Team Earns Awards for Combat Readiness
By Staff Sgt. Guadalupe Beltran, | May 21, 2026
MORRIS AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ariz. — The Arizona National Guard’s 162nd Wing’s Aircrew Flight Equipment, or AFE, flight recently earned two major command-level awards: the 2025 U.S. Air Force AFE Outstanding Air Reserve...

Capt. Richard
Oregon Guard Supports Ceremony Featuring 103-Year-Old WWII Pilot
By Maj. Wayne Clyne, | May 20, 2026
SALEM, Ore. – The hangar fell quiet for nearly 30 minutes on Armed Forces Day while Capt. Richard "Dick" Nelms stood before a crowd at the B-17 Alliance Museum & Restoration Hangar at Salem McNary Airfield and described, in...