Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
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A Toast to the Troops: Craig Morgan Returns to Fort Bragg by ALEXANDRIA RAPPE and ERINN CRIDER Raise your glass for an All American good time. On Aug. 8, Americans best atmosphere for soldiers. The mission is to "serve the needs, interests will come together to support and honor the people who make sacrifices for and responsibilities of each individual in the Army community for as long freedom everyday — military service members. Jack Daniels and the USO as they are associated with the Army, no matter where they are. They also are collaborating to present Toast to the Troops. The event includes stuffing seek to bridge the gap between the garrison and the local community, packages to send to deployed military members. To support and entertain the and contribute to the Army's strength and readiness by offering services volunteers, as well as the general public, Fort that reduce stress, build skills and selfBragg MWR will host a concert performed by confidence for soldiers and their families. Craig Morgan. The Family and MWR mission is to create The day is broken down into three phases. and maintain 'First Choice' MWR products Starting early, 150 volunteers will be ready for and services for America's Army, essential a stuffing party. The volunteers are a mixture to a ready, self-reliant force." of military spouses, USO volunteers, Jack Here at Fort Bragg, MWR also strives Daniels employees and friends. Care packages to provide for soldiers and their family are to be stuffed with items like razors, members. "We help to improve the quality of shaving cream, toothpaste, toothbrushes, life for soldiers and their families by having deodorant and sunscreen for 7,500 soldiers quality entertainment and free opportunities down range. In addition to these necessities for the community. Also, we provide services each package will also include a "toast" card. and a secure family-friendly environment at a These cards contain personal messages for very affordable cost," Rhett Stroupe, special the soldiers that Jack Daniels and the USO events coordinator of Fort Bragg MWR, said. have collected. After the stuffing party, the Ft. Bragg MWR also holds the Ft. Bragg volunteers get to enjoy a nice cookout leading Fair in May, the July 4th celebration (in up to the prime entertainment — the Craig previous years), the Renaissance Faire in Morgan concert. September and other activities and events. Morgan, a sensational country artist, is also The concert is free and open to the general an Army veteran. He spent 10 years on active Craig Morgan, a former soldier performs at a USO concert. public — no ticket is necessary — and lawn duty and nine years in the Army Reserve. He chairs and blankets are welcome. It is going has participated in eight Toast to The Troops events in Jacksonville, Fla. In to be at the Fort Bragg Fairgrounds. The gates open at 4 p.m. and the concert a recent press release, Morgan stated, "I've said it before, but being part begins at 5 p.m. of every Toast event over the past eight years has been a really rewarding "It's exciting to have the opportunity to entertain soldiers and family experience for me. Our nation's service members and their families do so members and help relieve the stressors of military life," Stroupe said. much for us on a daily basis and I hope everyone will come out and join us." The USO is dedicated to supporting the "spirits of America's troops He has won fans over with his hit songs "Bonfire," "Wake Up Loving and their families millions of times each year at hundreds of places You," "Almost Home" and "That's What I Love About Sunday." worldwide," according to the organization's website. The USO is a Morgan has participated in every Toast to the Troops, a total of 19 since private and nonprofit organization, but the organization works closely 2005, but this one has a special importance for the singer. During his with the government, as well as corporate partners and dedicated military career, Morgan was stationed at Ft. Bragg. "I served there when American citizens, to make all of its programs possible. So, for anyone I was active duty in the Army, and I feel a special kinship with those who would like to support service members the Operation USO Care soldiers and their families currently stationed at Fort Bragg. We can't wait Package is an effective way to help. Due to heightened security, no to get there to show them how much they are appreciated and supported." packages that are marked "Any Service Member" can be mailed, so the Morgan said. USO ensures that the troops are still able to receive a little comfort from Since the program's inception, Toast to the Troops events have provided home. Since 2003, two million care packages have been sent overseas by more than 165,000 USO care packages to troops overseas. This year is the USO. The organization also offers other programs to support active the 20th Toast to the Troops and that is remarkable. Kelli Seely, the USO duty military troops and families. For more information about these senior vice president of development and chief development officer said, programs visit the www.uso.org. "Our 20th Toast to the Troops event is a true testament of the dedication Please do not bring pets, large bags, and appreciation the Jack Daniels family has for the USO and our nation's coolers, alcohol, glass, backpacks ALEXANDRIA RAPPE, Intern. military. We are so grateful for their continuing support to bring a touch of or weapons to the concert or Fair COMMENTS? Editor@upandcomhome to those brave men and women serving overseas." Grounds. For more information contact ingweekly.com. U.S. Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) aims to create the 495-1437. Our store is packed with name brand deals! Skip the mall & the high prices! New items arriving daily. Women & Children's New & Pre-Owned Fashion www.lily-kats.com 807 Elm St. • Fayetteville, NC 910-223-0170 In Eutaw Shopping Center just a few doors down from the DMV. Vote for us in Up & Coming's Best of Fayetteville! WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM JULY 31 - AUGUST 6, 2013 UCW 13