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See photos from the star-studded USO Takeover at The Wharf

Brantley Gilbert performs at USO Takeover at The Wharf
USO

With the holidays right around the corner, the United Service Organizations (USO) held a star-studded "Backstage at the USO" event at Washington, D.C.'s District Wharf hosted by Willmer Valderrama with guests like Paula Poundstone and Brantley Gilbert. 

The event started off the only way a USO event would — with care packages. Pre-concert events also included a scholarship presentation to a Southern New Hampshire University student, a care package stuffing showdown against UFC superstar Julianna "The Venezuelan Vixen" Peña, and photo opportunities with Monte Durham from Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta. 


"For me, it's been a privilege," Valderrama said of his almost two decades of working with the USO. "I came to this country when I was 14 years old, couldn't speak English, and this country gave me a future that I would never have had in my own country where I grew up. This being my home, I really feel like this is the least I can do is show up and tell them 'thank you.'"

Valderrama wasn't the only long-time USO performer in attendance, however. Hollywood icon and USO tour veteran Ann-Margret was presented with the first-ever Bob Hope Legacy Award before the show started for her years of support to the USO. 

The event closed with a performance by country star Brantley Gilbert — who has a particularly personal connection to the military and veteran communities. 

"It means everything to me. Any event or anything we've ever played for the military, we've played for the most appreciative group of people in the world," Gilbert said. "I had a good friend in high school who came back from a couple of deployments, and it was the first time I'd really seen PTSD up close. That kind of drew me to the military and supporting the USO, but ever since then every event we've done it's not only the most appreciative group — I learn a lot. It changes my perspective on everything. These guys and gals just make you want to do more."

"God gave me a lot more platform and a lot more spotlight than I ever asked for or I'll ever need and this is where I enjoy sharing it the most," Gilbert added.

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