ACM, USO partner to bring free concert to military, families Published April 8, 2010 By Charles Ramey Nellis Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- The Academy of Country Music's charitable arm, ACM Lifting Lives and the USO are partnering to provide a free concert to military members and their families at Nellis Air Force Base, April 17. The event, which begins at 2 p.m. at the Nellis Sports Field will be hosted by Storme Warren, host of Great American Country's "Headline Country" and is scheduled to feature Nashville recording artists Montgomery Gentry, Randy Houser, Dierks Bentley, James Otto, Josh Thompson and Anthony Smith. The military concert is part of "The Week Vegas Goes Country," a series of special events surrounding the 45th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards. According to event organizers, the Las Vegas location for the ACM awards and proximity to Nellis Air Force Base make Southern Nevada the perfect location to pay tribute to sacrifices service members and their families make in the nation's defense. "ACM Lifting Lives was thrilled to support the troops through Trace Adkins' performance with the West Point Glee Club at last year's ACM Awards," said Erin Spahn, director of ACM Lifting Lives. "We embrace opportunities to help our warriors through music." The opportunity to support the military community couldn't have come at a better time. Currently, the Air Force is celebrating the "Year of the Air Force Family," a year‐long initiative that recognizes the contributions of Airmen and their families and places emphasis on the many programs and support services available. For nearly 70 years, one major support organization has been the USO. Since 1941, the USO's mission has remained the same--to enhance the quality of life of troops and their families, and bring them a touch of home. "The USO is proud of its longstanding history with the country music industry," said USO president and CEO Sloan Gibson. "And we are grateful for the opportunity to work with ACM Lifting Lives, Nellis Air Force Base and all the country music stars, coming out to support our troops and bring this wonderful event to military families. Creating moments that troops can carry with them wherever they serve is what it's all about and anytime we can find a way for them to share those memories with their families, that's just an added bonus." "This opportunity with the USO is just such a natural fit," Ms. Spahn concluded. "The USO offers uplifting performances to the noble men and women who serve our country, and Lifting Lives is devoted to improving lives through the power of music. What a natural partnership, and what fun we'll have at Nellis." For more information on the concert, visit the Nellis Air Force Base public Web page at www.nellis.af.mil.
