ARLINGTON, VA. (Top40 Charts/ USO) - California native John Ondrasik of Five For Fighting, the band name under which he records and performs some of today's most memorable hit songs, will perform for troops in Hawaii, Guam and Japan as part of a USO/AFE entertainment tour November 13-21. Ondrasik will kick off his tour with a special performance in Hawaii, sponsored by TriWest Healthcare Alliance, where he will unveil "For the Troops," a superstar compilation album he spearheaded. Ondrasik's remaining stops include shows at the Naval Base Guam, the Yokosuka Navy Base and the Yokota Air Base.
"The USO is honored to work with Mr. Ondrasik and is excited about the creation of "For the Troops," says USO President and CEO Ned Powell. "The album symbolizes just how much America really cares about our troops. I am certain it will mean a lot to them."
Created in conjunction with TriWest Healthcare Alliance and the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES), "For the Troops" will be distributed free-of-charge to active-duty service members, veterans and their families. In recognition of the U.S. military's tireless service and heroic sacrifice, 14 of the biggest names in music lent their voices in homage to the 2.6 million members of the U.S. Armed Forces, veterans and their families. Recording artists featured on the album include Billy Joel, Brooks and Dunn, Five for Fighting, Gretchen Wilson, Jewel, Josh Groban, among many others. The CD will be available digitally through AAFES.
"Music can be a powerful tool in lifting the morale and spirit of our military members and their families," said TriWest President and CEO David J. McIntyre, Jr. "This CD is filled with songs of hope and inspiration to those who sacrifice so much to secure our freedoms."
Known for his thought-provoking songs embedded with social messages, Ondrasik has made a profound, personal commitment to support the U.S. military. Inspired by their bravery and selflessness, he has written songs like "Two Lights," which came about following a dinner conversation with a young Iraq-bound soldier and the soldier's father, a Vietnam War veteran. He also has spent time touring with the USO, having entertained troops in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and visiting wounded service members.
"I'm honored to work with the USO and show my support to our troops," says Ondrasik. "It's a privilege for me to visit with and perform for America's true heroes and their families."
Ondrasik released Five For Fighting's platinum certified album, "The Battle for Everything," in 2004. The CD yielded the hit song "100 Years," a song that has become part of the classic American songbook and is currently featured on the "For the Troops" album. The band's most recent album, "Two Lights," is their first Top 10 Billboard album and has yielded such hit singles as "Riddle" and "World."
For more than 66 years, the USO's mission has remained the same: to support U.S. troops and their families wherever they serve - until every one comes home. Carrying on this tradition, it produced 366 USO tours with 328 special events in 2006, both stateside and overseas.
AT&T, Inc. and TriWest Healthcare Alliance are the official sponsors of this USO entertainment tour. For a list of recent and upcoming USO tours, visit https://www.uso.org/whatwedo/entertainment/. To learn more about the USO or find out how to support the troops, visit https://www.uso.org.
