Branson/Tri-Lakes News: Branson performers entertain U.S. troops

A delegation of performers, many from Branson, spent two weeks in late March entertaining military personnel in the Middle East and Europe.

The group - including Branson performers Tony Orlando, Gene Bicknell, Marty Wilhite and the cast of "Country Tonite" - took a charter American Airlines jet to Iraq, Kuwait and Bahrain, as well as Ramstein Air Base and Landstuhl Medical Center in Germany. American Airlines donated use of the plane as part of its Veterans Initiative.

"We were taken aback by the attitude of our uniformed service personnel there in Iraq and in other centers of conflict that we visited," Bicknell said in a news release. "The soldiers we met feel good about what they're accomplishing there. It was good to offer them support and consolation and to show our appreciation."

The visit was coordinated with Operation Iraqi Children, which airlifted more than 40,000 pounds of donated school supplies, footwear and other goods donated by several groups including the Bicknell Family Foundation.

Among the other participants in the trip were Charles W. Hostler, former U.S. ambassador to Bahrain; Mary Eisenhower, philanthropist and granddaughter of President Dwight Eisenhower; three former Miss America winners; and Air Force Col. Ed Shock, director of Armed Forces Entertainment.

"It was hard, tedious work, and long, grueling days for us," Bicknell added. "But it's hardly a sacrifice given the opportunity we had to show our admiration and give something back to those who fight to defend our freedoms."[[In-content Ad]]