Dempsey, USO Troupe Visit Troops in Vicenza

By Jim Garamone
DoD News, Defense Media Activity

VICENZA, Italy, Dec. 7, 2014 - Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey and his traveling USO troupe visited the soldiers of the 173rd Airborne Brigade and U.S. Army Africa here today.

Troops here have been busy for the last year -- regionally and globally, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said.

Demonstrating U.S. Resolve

The 173rd has been focused for years on Iraq and Afghanistan, Dempsey said in an interview. And, when Russia annexed Crimea and threatened eastern Ukraine, the 173rd's soldiers parachuted into the Baltic republics, Poland and Ukraine to show American resolve in face of the Russian adventurism.

The chairman said he viewed a video depicting American soldiers putting on a Soapbox Derby with some local children.

"That was a great idea," Dempsey said.

He alluded to the saying about American service members being "no worse enemy, no better friend."

"When you think about it, that's what makes us who we are -- we can jump out of an airplane and kill you with a bayonet or help you build a soapbox car -- you make the call," Dempsey said.

Engaged With Allies, Partners

American actions in Europe and Africa show the United States is committed to allies, the chairman said. "We don't just sit back in Fortress America protected by two oceans and just allow the world to have its own problems," he said. "We're actually out and about with partners and allies and other militaries and building relationships. The 173rd and U.S. Army Africa are an integral part of that.

The 173rd is the only forward-deployed U.S. airborne brigade, Dempsey said.

"It can be where it's needed more quickly," the chairman said. "And it also send a message to potential adversaries that they don't have time in which they can shape things to their benefit. We'll be there pretty quickly."

USO Holiday Tour Tradition

This is the chairman's fourth holiday USO trip. Glee star Dianna Agron, Suits star Meghan Markle, actor, comedian and retired Marine Corps lieutenant colonel Rob Riggle, retired Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher, Washington Nationals pitcher Doug Fister and -- making her ninth USO tour -- country singer Kellie Pickler, accompanied Dempsey on the current USO tour.

In addition to entertaining the troops and their families, the visit gives Dempsey and his wife, Deanie, the chance to connect with overseas-deployed service members.

"We come in the service and then we ask a lot of you -- we deploy you and the pace is really remarkable," he said. "So it is really important that I get out and find out what's on your mind and the minds of your family members so that I can turn that into strategy and policy and resource decisions back in Washington."