GRAMMY Winning Michael W. Smith to Lift the Spirits of Troops and Their Families on First-Ever USO Tour to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE:

WHAT:             
USO entertainment tour featuring contemporary Christian artist Michael W. Smith

WHEN:              
August 6, 2012

WHERE:          
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba
 
WHY:              
Nashville award-winning recording icon and author Michael W. Smith, also known as ‘Smitty’ to his fans around the globe, will step off American soil and onto the sandy Caribbean nation of Guantanamo Bay, Cuba to visit with troops on his first-ever USO/Armed Forces Entertainment tour August 5-7.  On a mission to uplift the spirits of America’s service heroes and their families, Smith will perform a motivational, all-inspiring USO show featuring countless chart-topping hits, visit posts and sign autographs.  

A big fan of America’s armed forces, Smith has supported our nation’s armed forces for years.  Last year, he joined the Holiday Mail for Heroes campaign, which sent messages to troops downrange, and participated in “Sean Hannity’s Holiday Salute to the Troops” concert alongside combat-decorated Oliver North and USO tour veteran John Ondrasik.  Taking his support one step further, Smith penned songs “Heroes” and “The Patriot” after being inspired by the unwavering service and sacrifice of troops throughout our nation’s history.

Throughout his nearly three decades as a world renowned recording star, Smith has worked beside some of the best in Christian music and amassed an impressive catalog of achievements, including an American Music Award, three GRAMMY Awards (from 13 nominations), 44 Dove Awards, 33 No. 1 radio hits and 12 books.  He also holds 16 gold, seven platinum and two
double-platinum albums for career sales of 15 million records.  In 2011, Smith released his twenty-third album Glory along with his book “A Simple Blessing: The Extraordinary Power of an Ordinary Prayer.”
 
The son of an oil refinery worker and a caterer, Smith was born in West Virginia and began playing keyboard and writing songs for singer/songwriter Amy Grant.  A short time later he released his first album and eventually became a headliner.  Among his  most notable hits are “Friends,” “Place in This World” and “I Will Be Here for You.”  

QUOTES:        
Attributed to singer/songwriter Michael W. Smith:  
“Our nation’s troops and military families are among the bravest and most selfless people I
know and we, as a nation, owe them not only our respect and gratitude but also our time.  I am just honored for the opportunity to travel to Guantanamo Bay with the USO and extend our nation’s thanks for their service.”

USO President Sloan Gibson:
“It is a real privilege to be working with Michael W. Smith, who has accomplished so much in music and is beloved by millions of people around the world for his spirit lifting music and literary works.  His passion for supporting our troops matches that of the USO's and we are honored that he is going to lift the spirits of the troops and their families on a USO tour to Guantanamo Bay.”

NOTE:             
Give a gift to a service member or a military family year round through USO Wishbook at usowishbook.org or learn ways to help show your support at http://www.uso.org/act-now.aspx

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 in the U.S. and abroad, top quality entertainment and innovative programs and services. We also provide critical support to those who need us most, including forward-deployed troops, military families, wounded warriors and their families and the families of the fallen.
 
The USO is a private, nonprofit organization, not a government agency. All of our programs and services are made possible by the American people, support of our corporate partners and the dedication of our volunteers and staff.  In addition to individual donors and corporate sponsors, the USO is supported by President’s Circle Partners: American Airlines, AT&T, Clear Channel, The Coca-Cola Company, jcpenney, Kangaroo Express, Kroger, Lowe’s, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Procter & Gamble, and TriWest Healthcare Alliance and Worldwide Strategic Partners: BAE Systems, The Boeing Company, Lockheed Martin, and Microsoft Corporation. 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 uso.org.