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Two NFL Stars Are Officially Becoming USO Ambassadors
Eric Canha-Imagn Images

For years the United Service Organizations have worked with entertainers across America to provide live entertainment to the US Armed Forces. This week, two former NFL stars were added to the organization's ranks.

According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, former Super Bowl champion Vince Wilfork and Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones have both been named USO ambassadors.

"Former Patriots standout Vince Wilfork and NFL Salute to Service finalist RB Aaron Jones are becoming USO ambassadors, continuing the organization’s 85-year tradition of supporting U.S. service members—first championed by Bob Hope," Schefter wrote.

Wilfork made five Pro Bowls and won two Super Bowls with the New England Patriots from 2004 to 2016, ranking among the best defensive tackles of the 2000s and 2010s.

“It’s truly an honor to stand alongside the USO and serve those who dedicate their lives to protecting ours. Giving back to the men and women of our military is deeply personal for me. I want them to feel the respect and gratitude they deserve every single day. Together, we’ll work to uplift their spirits and show just how much their sacrifices mean to all of us," Wilfork said in a statement announcing the move.

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 25: Former New England Patriots player Vince Wilfork celebrates during his Patriots Hall of Fame induction ceremony at Gillette Stadium on September 25, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

Jones rose to prominence with the Green Bay Packers and led the league in rushing touchdowns in 2019. He made his first Pro Bowl in 2020.

“Supporting the military community runs deep in my family. I’m humbled to work with the USO in making sure our service members and their families know how much they mean to all of us back home," Jones said in a statement of his own.

United Service Organizations

The USO was founded in 1941 to support American service members and their families during World War II. Created as a coalition of several charitable organizations, the USO’s mission was to boost morale and provide comfort, recreation, and support to troops both at home and abroad. During World War II, the USO became famous for organizing live entertainment tours featuring Hollywood stars, musicians, and athletes who performed for troops overseas, while also operating clubs and centers that offered food, rest, and companionship for soldiers, sailors, and airmen far from home.

After the war, the USO evolved to meet the changing needs of the U.S. military, expanding its services through the Korean War, Vietnam War, and into the modern era. Today, the organization operates hundreds of centers worldwide in airports, military bases, and deployment zones.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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