Blackberry Smoke, USO to entertain Airmen in the Midwest

Published July 18, 2014
Press Release: Provided by the USO

ARLINGTON, Va., -- Blackberry Smoke will join the USO on their first tour to bring good tunes and entertainment to Airmen stationed in the Midwest July 21 to 25, 2014.

The southern rock band will perform three free USO shows at Minot Air Force Base (July 21), Malmstrom Air Force Base (July 22) and Whiteman Air Force Base (July 25).

"These men and women make sure we have freedom," said Charlie Starr, the band's lead vocalists and guitarist. "We hope that we can give them a little something to enjoy in return."

Based out of Atlanta, Ga., Blackberry Smoke is a southern rock band that has performed headliner and supporting acts for Zac Brown Band, Eric Church, ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynard.

Along with Starr, the band members include Richard Turner, Brit Turner, Paul Jackson and Brandon Still. In addition, Richard and Brit Turner share a personal connection to the Air Force because their father served as a colonel.

"I spent the better part of my youth strolling the tarmac with my father," Richard said. "To me, he was just my dad, but to everyone else, he was 'Colonel Turner.' You could tell that meant something by all the frozen saluting going on."

The USO 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.

"Playing USO shows for the troops is the least we can do to thank them for their service."

For more information about the USO, visit www.uso.org.