armed forces entertainment tour

OLYMPIC GYMNASTS TOUR

Laurie Hernandez, Jordyn Wieber, Desiree Sanchez

Olympic Gold Medalists Laurie Hernandez and Jordyn Wieber, along with world class gymnastics coach Desiree Sanchez, taught gymnastics clinics to military youth at bases in Italy and Spain in May 2018.

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Andy Grammer to Tour with Armed Forces Entertainment

He will be covering three tours from Friday, June 30 to Tuesday, July 4, 2023.

Singer and songwriter Andy Grammer will be touring military bases with Armed Forces Entertainment (AFE) as part of their summer concert series, Heat Wave.

He will be covering three tours from Friday, June 30 to Tuesday, July 4, 2023. Several of Grammer’s songs have been charted on Billboard’s charts, and the music video for his song “Keep Your Head Up” won an MTV award for Most Innovative Video. He is known for his upbeat, soulful pop songs and his inspirational lyrics.

Despite having a father in the music business, Grammer’s career had humble beginnings. After writing his first song at the age of nine, he formed a band called Out of the Blue, who competed in a Battle of the Bands show. From there, he slowly built his musical career singing on street corners and in small venues, gaining enough recognition to be signed by S-Curve Records, where he released his first, self-titled album. From there, Grammer was named a 2011 Billboard Artist to Watch, and started working with notable producers in the music industry who helped further his career.

While he is known for uplifting pop hits, Grammer says that he isn’t “pink and fluffy,” adding: “I’m just trying to track down the truth… My favorite thing is to pop up above everybody and write from a bird’s eye view. It may be about a good relationship, it may be what we’re doing on this planet here. I like to be far enough away to see the whole scope of what’s occurring.”

Grammer cites many popular artists as his musical inspiration, including Lauryn Hill, Jack Johnson, Coldplay, Common, and John Mayer. About his musical style, Grammer says, “For me, it’s always been about a mix of hip-hop, acoustic singer/songwriters and piano rock… I pull all those together. Each song may lean more heavily on one than the other, but they all have all three pieces.”

The tour is presented by AFE. Since 1951, AFE has been providing the best performances for U.S. troops and their families stationed overseas, and they are committed to boosting the morale and well-being of service members through world-class live events and performances.

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Army Entertainment produces and delivers diverse musical and theater entertainment to Soldiers, Families, civilians and retirees at home and abroad. Since 1940, we’ve managed unit entertainment activities, special events, touring shows and performances for our audiences around the world. Our commercial entertainment, theatrical and musical programs support our mission to improve and enrich the quality of life for all members of the U.S. military community. We operate from the Army’s second-oldest movie theatre, the historic Fort Sam Houston Theatre, built in the 1930’s.

Commercial Entertainment

Army Entertainment brings popular entertainers to military installations around the world.  Soldiers, Families, retirees and other eligible patrons can enjoy concerts, comedy shows, dance performances and other special events featuring celebrity acts. We are equipped to professionally set up stages and equipment at venues so the audience can have the premiere entertainment experience without paying big bucks.

Musical and Theater Entertainment

If all the world is a stage, then Army Entertainment definitely plays a part. We manage musical and theater productions for Soldiers and Families around the world. We also help garrisons cultivate talent and operate full community theaters with complete seasons of comedies, dramas, musicals and special events for all ages. Many also offer classes for youth and adults in acting, directing, singing and all the theater arts.

We keep it all running backstage with a small staff of professional theater, music and technical professionals. The success of our program is thanks to countless community volunteers who serve as actors, directors, designers, choreographers, technicians, costumers, stagehands, painters, builders, ushers and more. We’re also proud to support theater groups at home and overseas, including Turkey, the Netherlands, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom.

In 2016, Army Entertainment partnered with Alpha Warrior to bring the Entertainment Battle Rig, a specialized obstacle course, to 10 military installations around the Nation. Over 8,000 Soldiers and family members met the Alpha Team, including Brent Steffensen and Kacy Catanzaro of reality hit TV show “American Ninja Warrior”. They participated in a head-to-head competition on the Rig, which tested their strength, fitness and fortitude. Stay tuned for more exciting programs like Alpha Warrior in 2017.

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A PERFECT SILICON VALLEY BUSINESS & LEISURE HOTEL

LOCATED IN THE HEART OF PALO ALTO

FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATIONS NEARBY STANFORD

FREE PARKING, WI-FI, AND LUXURY AMENITIES

WELCOME TO THE PALO ALTO INN

The Palo Alto Inn

Welcome to the palo alto inn - a charming palo alto california boutique hotel.

The Palo Alto Inn is a stylish boutique property located off of El Camino Real in Palo Alto California. Our strategic location provides easy access to Highway 280, and Highway 101. We are a short drive from the Dumbarton Bridge and the Hayward-San Mateo Bridge. We are minutes from the Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport, and equal distance from San Francisco International Airport. Public transportation is abundant, giving guests of The Palo Alto Inn an opportunity to leave their car, and enjoy sightseeing via Caltrain, Bus, or by accessing one of the many bike paths that meander through Palo Alto's tree-lined streets. The Palo Alto Inn is a short drive from iconic Stanford University and is close to an impressive range of shops, restaurants, bars, museums, and crowd-pleasing attractions.

COMFORT AND LEISURE CONVENE IN PALO ALTO

The Palo Alto Inn offers a relaxing boutique hotel experience with amenities and services specially tailored to ensure a tranquil stay. With a 100% smoke-free environment, guests can enjoy our friendly front desk staff, our virtual concierge, and complimentary WiFi. Ample complimentary parking is available to guests of the Inn, as well as a complimentary newspaper provided Monday through Friday.  Additionally, we provide guest laundry facilities. Our beautifully landscaped common areas include an inviting outdoor patio, where guests are welcomed to unwind, or socialize.

ATTRACTIONS NEAR PALO ALTO INN AND BEYOND

Palo Alto California is a hidden gem in the Bay Area with an ideal location separating San Francisco and San Jose. Palo Alto consists of 26 miles of land; one-third of which is unburdened with structures and is home to dozens of parks where visitors can enjoy a tranquil afternoon of birdwatching. One of the biggest draws to Palo Alto is Stanford University. Here, visitors can tour the campus to see Cantor Arts Center, Hoover Tower among other sights. Other Palo Alto California attractions include the Museum of American Heritage, The Hiller Aviation Museum. If you are looking for thrill rides, California's Great America is nearby. The Palo Alto Art Center displays works from local artists. For outdoor enthusiasts who want to stroll or jog through the foothills, a local favorite is the Stanford Loop locally known as the 'Dish.' This paved trail boasts stunning views of Palo Alto, Stanford University, and the Peninsula. The Baylands Natural Preserve consists of nearly two thousand acres of undisturbed marshland that is host to hundreds of species of birds, as well as fifteen miles of trails. The Baylands also provides picnic areas. For guests who enjoy hitting the green, Baylands Golf Links offers visitors a beautifully manicured, 18 hole course that offers competitive rates, cart rentals. For guests who are looking for the perfect gift, The Stanford Shopping Center is minutes from The Palo Alto Inn. This impressive open-air mall is home to upscale boutiques, fine restaurants, and casual dining options, cafes, bars, French bakeries, chocolatiers, and live concerts.

THE PALO ALTO INN

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Boutique Palo Alto Hotel Rooms

Our comfortable and spacious boutique-style rooms offer inviting amenities for the modern traveler to feel at home while visiting Palo Alto. With plush beds, linens, towels, complimentary bottled water and in-room snacks, The Palo Alto Inn will provide a restful place to stay in the heart of Palo Alto. Our hospitality ensures that every detail is taken into account. Guests love our 100% non-smoking rooms, which are equipped with microwaves, refrigerators and flat screen televisions with premium channels including HBO.

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Room beautifully and comfortable decorated. Very comfortable bed. Comparable to a room twice the price. The desk clerk was very friendly and helpful. The grounds were very clean...

I stay at the Palo Alto Inn on business for weeks on end from Monday through Thursday. I choose this hotel for their hospitality and value. Located within minutes from my company’s...

One of the cleanest rooms I've stayed in at any hotel. The PA Inn has alot of luxurious touches. The staff at Palo Alto Inn were very friendly and helpful! The rooms were...

From San Francisco, we were heading to Palo Alto and stayed here one night to explore the nightlife in Downtown PA. The lady at the front desk was really friendly, the rooms...

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Gary Thornton was born in Delano, California, in 1941. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserve on September 26, 1959, and served at NAS Oakland, California, until 1961, and then at NAS Alameda, California, until November 1963. Thornton went on active duty at Naval Air Reserve Training Unit Jacksonville, Florida, on November 3, 1963, and was accepted into Naval Pre-Flight School in January 1965. He began Pre-Flight at NAS Pensacola, Florida, on February 17, 1965, and completed the program on June 26 of that year. He then attended Naval Aviation Officer School at NAS Sherman Field, Florida, graduating on November 5, 1965. Thornton then completed Radar Intercept Officer Training at NAS Glynco, Georgia, on February 4, 1966, and was commissioned an Ensign in the U.S. Navy on February 10, 1966. After one month of recruiting duty, he reported to VF-121 for Replacement Air Group training as an F-4 Phantom II RIO at NAS Miramar, California, completing the syllabus in August 1966. He then joined VF-96 at Miramar, and embarked aboard USS Enterprise for Southeast Asia in November 1966. Thornton began flying combat missions in December 1966 and was forced to eject over North Vietnam while flying his 45th combat mission and was taken as a Prisoner of War on February 20, 1967. After spending 2,205 days in captivity, he was released during Operation Homecoming on March 4, 1973. CDR Thornton attended Naval Postgraduate School at Monterey, California, from September 1973 to September 1975, and then flew P-3 Orions at NAS Moffett Field, California. He then completed a short tour with VP-47 before serving as Admin Officer for Moffett Field from January 1978 to June 1980. His next assignment was as Officer in Charge at NALF Crows Landing, California, where he served from June 1980 to June 1981, followed by Operations Officer at Moffett Field, from June 1981 to May 1982. CDR Thornton served as Officer in Charge of the Combined Service Support Program School at NAS Alameda, California, from May 1982 until his retirement from the Navy on September 1, 1991. His Silver Star Citation reads: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. On 25 February 1967, his captors, completely ignoring international agreements, subjected him to extreme mental and physical cruelties in an attempt to obtain military information and false confessions for propaganda purposes. Through his resistance to those brutalities, he contributed significantly toward the eventual abandonment of harsh treatment by the North Vietnamese, which was attracting international attention. By his determination, courage, resourcefulness, and devotion to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.

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Prince harry slammed for wearing four medals while honoring us servicewoman: ‘pathetic’.

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Prince Harry has been hit with backlash for wearing four medals while presenting a prestigious “Soldier of the Year” award from his Montecito mansion.

The Duke of Sussex, who served in the UK armed forces for 10 years, appeared via Zoom on Thursday to present the award to US combat medic, Sergeant First Class Elizabeth Marks.

However, haters were distracted by Harry’s medals, which they claimed were any attempt to “create an illusion for the American market” and took attention away from the servicewoman being honored.

The prince pinned four medals to his chest: an Afghanistan campaign medal, a Golden Jubilee medal, a Diamond Jubilee medal and a Platinum Jubilee medal.

The first was presented to Harry for his military service in Afghanistan, while the other three were presented to him by Queen Elizabeth II.

“3 Jubilee medals… and a bunker service medal,” one snarked in a post on X.

“Good god, how pathetic,” another raged .

“He needs someone to advise him on optics. The participation medals are a sad cry for ‘Looook at meeeeeeeee.'”

However, others jumped to the defense of the prince, saying his Afghanistan campaign medal was well deserved.

Harry undertook two tours of Afghanistan, first serving between 2007 and 2008, before returning for a second time in 2012.

“He is entitled to wear his medals,” one defender declared.

“Medals he earned,” a second stated.

Meanwhile, some eagle-eyed pundits pointed out that Harry was not wearing a Coronation medal recently given to him by his father, King Charles.

Royal commentator Richard FitzWilliams told The Sun that it was a “snub” on the prince’s part.

“The Sussexes do nothing by chance and this clearly emphasizes or is intended to emphasize his distance from the royal family,” he declared.

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Sunak meets soldiers from German armed forces during visit to Berlin

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Rishi Sunak met with soldiers of the German armed forces and was given a tour of a military vehicle during his visit to Berlin on Wednesday 24 April.

The prime minister is in Germany to discuss joint efforts on security, trade, and illegal migration with chancellor Olaf Scholz .

He can be heard saying "very impressive vehicle" in response to a Bundeswehr captain showing him around the machinery of the vehicle.

The visit comes after Mr Sunak revealed he plans to increase spending in the defence sector by £75 billion over the next 6 years.

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Prince Harry Wears His Medals to Present Soldier of the Year Award in Special Virtual Appearance

The Duke of Sussex presented Sergeant First Class Elizabeth Marks with the honor during a video appearance on April 25

servicemembersoftheyear.org

Prince Harry is honoring a special member of the armed forces community.

On Wednesday, April 24, the Duke of Sussex, 39, paid tribute to his "friend" Sergeant First Class Elizabeth Marks as he presented her with the prestigious Military Times Soldier of the Year Award.

Speaking in a virtual appearance , which appeared to have been filmed in the backyard of his Montecito, Calif., home, Harry wore four medals on his chest as he described Marks as a “beacon of inspiration.” 

“I first met Sergeant First Class Elizabeth Marks at the Invictus Games in Orlando 2016, where I presented her with not one, but four gold medals that she'd won in swimming,” Harry’s speech began. “To me, she epitomizes the courage, resilience and determination represented across our service community. And this is not just because of her swimming abilities.”

"Ellie has courageously overcome every obstacle to cross her path,” he continued. “She has turned her pain into purpose and led through compassion and willpower, showing others that the impossible is indeed possible.”

Chris Jackson/PA

According to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s official website , the combat medic — who joined the U.S. Army in 2008 at the age of 17 — has faced “significant challenges” in her career, including bilateral hip injuries “which would shape the rest of her trajectory in the Army.”

“Despite the injuries she endured during her deployment as a medical assistant in Iraq – along with numerous surgeries and setbacks that would have deterred many – she has persevered tirelessly, becoming the first woman in the Army’s world-class athlete program, as well as the first swimmer the program had ever seen,” Harry explained.

“She’s also taken her recovery a step further, using her experiences and achievements to inspire and assist others in their mental and physical journey into sport, ensuring those who can’t see a way out or through are introduced to the medicine of sport that saved her too.”

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The Duke then went on to praise Marks for the support she has shown to the Invictus Games , which he founded in 2014, including coaching teams from both Ukraine and Colombia “when they’ve needed it the most.”

“Ellie, you embody the Invictus spirit through your selfless service. You know that sport doesn’t just save lives, it transforms them for the better, and in finding your own cure you’ve helped countless brothers and sisters in staying alive. You’re unwavering commitment serves as a beacon of inspiration, offering hope and setting a powerful example for others to follow,” he continued, adding, "I am honored to call you my friend and can't thank you enough for being you."

Harry served in the military for 10 years and undertook two tours of Afghanistan during that time. He first served in Helmand Province in 2007 and 2008, before later returning for a second tour in 2012.

His medals include the Operational Service Medal for Afghanistan, which is awarded to those who served in active duty in Afghanistan, the Queen's Golden Jubilee medal, the Queen's Diamond Jubilee medal and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee medal. 

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