By Jim Garamone
DoD News, Defense Media Activity
ABOARD A U.S. MILITARY AIRCRAFT, Dec. 5, 2014 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and his wife are leading a holiday USO tour to Europe.
Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey and his wife Deanie are heading a USO troupe featuring country music, television and sports stars to Europe to entertain soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines and their families.
The first stop is Spain.
This trip marks country singer Kellie Pickler's ninth USO trip. The North Carolina native sang for troops from Afghanistan to Iraq to Europe during previous trips.
Rob Riggle, an actor and comedian who was a correspondent on Jon Stewart's Daily Show, is making a return of sorts. He is a retired Marine Corps Reserve lieutenant colonel who has deployed a number of times to world hot spots.
Dianne Agron, who stars on the "Glee" TV show, and Meghan Markle, who stars in "Suits," joined retired Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher and Washington Nationals pitcher Doug Fister to round out the cast.
USO President J.D. Crouch and his wife Kristin are also on the trip.
This is the chairman's fourth and final USO tour. "This tour is my favorite every year," he said before the flight. "It's a chance to thank the people who really do the heavy lifting."
The USO, or United Service Organizations, is a nonprofit, non-political organization that supports military service members and their families through an extensive range of programs at more than 160 locations in 27 states and 14 countries, and at hundreds of entertainment events each year.
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