Bo Bice to Ring in 2011 With U.S. Military
Bo Bice is ringing in 2011 with a special holiday performance thousands of miles away. The singer will travel to Cuba as part of Armed Forces Entertainment to play at the oldest overseas U.S. military base -- Guantanamo Bay. In spite of the tour meaning he will have to be away from his wife, Caroline, and their three young sons, Bo says he's honored to play for the troops.
"It is a privilege to perform for the men and women who risk their lives every day for our freedom," Bo says (quote via USA Today). "Our military and their families make plenty of sacrifices -- especially around the holidays. I'm looking forward to the trip so I can shake hands and thank them in person and hopefully put on a great show."
Earlier this year, Bo gave generously to the Nashville community in the wake of the devastating May flood that left thousands homeless. He donated $20,000, which he won by appearing on a celebrity edition of 'Don't Forget the Lyrics,' to MusiCares help with flood-relief projects. In addition, he donated all the proceeds from his single, 'Long Road Back' to several relief programs.
Bo isn't the only country star who will head overseas to support servicemen and women during the holidays. Emily West, Buddy Jewell and Keni Thomas will join comedian Chonda Pierce and the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders to participate in the 11-day 2010 Hope and Freedom USO tour, which kicked off this week. And Kix Brooks is currently on a USO tour of the Middle East, which will run through this weekend.
Bo's latest album, '3,' was released earlier this year. His current single, 'You Take Yourself With You,' is an homage to the wisdom his father passed down to him. "The chorus of the song is loosely based around something my Dad told me," Bo tells The Boot. "My Dad would say, 'Bo, in life, always treat people like you want to be treated, but don't ever expect it back. Work hard every day and know that you have got to look yourself in the mirror. It doesn't matter how far you go or how high you fly, you take yourself with you every day, and you've got to live with yourself.'"
Bo will play four shows at Guantanamo Bay from December 30 to January 2.