Derrick Rose, Joe Johnson and Al Horford to Take USO Tour to Hawaii and Shoot Hoops with Troops Alongside Other Basketball Greats
D.J. Augustin, Tyreke Evans, JaVale McGee, Brook Lopez, Robin Lopez and Mike Miller, Unite
to Give Back and Extend Thanks to Military Families on ‘Hoops for Troops’ Tour
WHAT: ‘Hoops for Troops’ USO Tour to Hawaii
WHO: Derrick Rose, Chicago
Joe Johnson, Atlanta
Al Horford, Atlanta
D.J. Augustin, Charlotte
Tyreke Evans, Sacramento
Robin Lopez, Phoenix
JaVale McGee, Washington D.C.
Mike Miller, Miami
WHEN: October 23 – 28, 2011
WHERE: Hawaii
WHY: Nine of today’s biggest stars on the court, to include Derrick Rose, Joe Johnson, Al Horford, D.J. Augustin, Tyreke Evans, Brook Lopez, Robin Lopez, JaVale McGee and Mike Miller, will participate in their first USO/Armed Forces Entertainment tour Oct. 23-28. In the region to extend their gratitude, the group is scheduled to visit multiple military bases, lead two youth clinics, share insider tips and play one-on-one with service men and women. The group will also sign autographs and pose for photographs for military families.
This USO tour was made possible with help from East West Private (EWP), a Cincinnati-based global market expansion firm that aims to serve as a bridge between International and U.S. Based Companies, and Wasserman Media Group, a sports marketing and entertainment company with global expertise in athlete management, consulting, media rights, partnership and business development and action sports.
In previous years other notable players on USO tours abroad, included Hall of Famers Karl “The Mailman” Malone and David “The Admiral” Robinson - who traveled on a USO Summer Tour with former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen in 2011 and 2009.
QUOTES:
Attributed to Derrick Rose
“I am honored to take part in a USO tour and greatly appreciate the USO’s efforts in organizing this trip. I am so thankful for the great sacrifices the service members and their families make for our country and it is a truly special opportunity to give back by sharing our love of basketball with them.”
Attributed to USO President Sloan Gibson
“There is no better way to celebrate our seventy years of providing deploying nine of today's most recognizable basketball players on a USO tour to Hawaii. All of our tours generate a great level of excitement among troops and their families, and sport themed tours like this are certainly among the top of the list. We are excited by all the smiles this tour is sure to deliver by making this happen for our friends in Hawaii."
NOTES: USO tour photos will be available starting October 26. If you are interested in receiving more tour information and/or would like to request interview please contact Oname Thompson at othompson@uso.org.
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Oname Thompson
USO
(703) 908-6471
othompson@uso.org
About the USO
The USO (United Service Organizations) lifts the spirits of America’s troops and their families millions of times each year at hundreds of places worldwide. We provide a touch of home through centers at airports and military bases, top quality entertainment and innovative programs and services. We also provide critical support to those who need us most, including forward-deployed troops and their families, wounded warriors and their families and the families of the fallen.
The USO is a private, non-profit organization, not a government agency. We rely on the generosity of our volunteers and donors. In addition to individual donors and corporate sponsors, the USO is supported by President’s Circle Partners: American Airlines and TriWest Healthcare Alliance and Worldwide Strategic Partners: AT&T Inc., BAE Systems, The Boeing Company, Clear Channel Communications, The Coca-Cola Company, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation and Procter & Gamble. We are also supported through the United Way and Combined Federal Campaign (CFC-11381). To join us in this patriotic mission, and to learn more about the USO, please visit http://www.uso.org.
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