CityView Magazine

much like the USO of yore when Bob Hope entertained troops with his comic zingers in combat zones. Show business still works its way into theaters of war. Spc. Cruz has attended USO-sponsored concerts while stationed in Germany and has seen the Dallas Cowboys cheer- leaders in Afghanistan, courtesy of the USO. "It doesn't matter what genre of music you listen to, you're getting away from the situation" — and by "the situ- ation" she means the danger and dol- drums of those deployed. They need an escape, a respite, a hint of home. These days, it's not Bob Hope and Jr. and Dean Martin USO in the 21st century In many ways, the modern USO is Sammy Davis, crooning and cracking jokes to the troops, it's the likes of Trace Adkins and Toby Keith and Drew Carey. In 2011, the USO hosted 83 tours in 25 countries, with 130 or so celebrities making the rounds. They visited a big USO center in Basra, Iraq, in 2009 and 2010, when Bev Jackson served as its di- rector. The place was bustling: it provid- ed computers, phones and a movie room where troops could catch flicks 24/7. It also gave troops a chance to reach for the stars. Kellie Pickler of American Idol and country music fame paid a visit. So did country star Darryl Worley, mixed martial arts icon Tito Ortiz, southern rock superstar Zac Brown and the Flori- da Marlins baseball team. "The people who volunteered to go over there, they didn't care what the itinerary was," said Jackson, who is now assistant director of the Fort Bragg USO center. "They were pretty much al- ways late." But they had a good excuse for their tardiness: they wanted to meet every soldier, no matter how long the line, no matter how long the wait. The soldiers "shook their hands, got picture taken, got autographs, told their stories. I've seen soldiers bring some- thing special to show," she said. And when the athletes swung through, "they would play around with the guys, and the guys would tell them stories like 'I saw you make that play at such-and-such game, and I was there.' And they would just listen like they were old buddies." Tito Ortiz, the famous fighter, re- their H ties at a price that's more affordable than maintaining a large home. Heritage Place residents are not faced with a long term residential commitment or contract with high entrance fees. From the moment you walk through the door you will notice our family atmosphere…in short, you enjoy life while we take care of the rest. ERITAGE PLACE is a Senior Living Community with Independent and Assisted Living lifestyles conveniently located in historical downtown Fayetteville. We offer a convenient combination of services and ameni- 325 North Cool SpriNg Street • Fayetteville 28301 910.323.4925 • www.heritage-plaCe.Com TOWNSEND REAL ESTATE Search for homes on any cell phone The Townsend Real Estate Mobile Search is the ultimate field tool for homebuyers! By utilizing any phone's location technology, the app allows users to get a sense of place and community within the areas of their home search. Scan this with your phone Available in App Store and Android Market www.TownsendRealEstate.com CityViewNC.com | 49

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