New Orleans Saints T Jon Stinchcomb was part of a four person celebrity contingent that went on a one week trip overseas trip to support and entertain United States military troops.
Stinchcomb was one of four figures in the world of sports and entertainment chosen to take place in an annual USO Handshake Tour in a trip led by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen.
When approached about making the trip, Stinchcomb was sincerely excited about the opportunity to help lift the spirits and morale of troops overseas. The longest tenured player on the Saints, the 2003 second round draft pick has been one of the most reliable Saints both on and off the field. Stinchcomb is tied with fellow Pro Bowl linemate G Jahri Evans for the longest consecutive games started streak on the club at 64, having been inserted into the lineup at right tackle since Sean Payton was named head coach in 2006. His achievements culminated in 2009 with his first Pro Bowl selection and being an integral part of the Super Bowl XLIV Championship squad. During his tenure, the University of Georgia graduate's reliability has also crossed over into off the field endeavors as he has been one of the team's most active and enthusiastic participants in their community outreach efforts.
"I have always had great admiration for the important job that our troops have both domestically and overseas," said Stinchcomb. "It is with great pleasure and responsibility that I had the opportunity to be a part of this group to show our support for what the troops do day in and day out for us."
Stinchcomb is joined on three other entertainers, Actors James Gandolfini and Tony Sirico, who are most well-known for their roles on "The Sopranos" and actress Rose McGowan, who enjoyed a longstanding role on the series "Charmed".
The tour is part of an ongoing tradition of partnering with senior leaders and working with celebrity entertainers to bring a touch of home to troops stationed abroad, as the USO has worked with the Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff since 2000. Since then, the USO has partnered with four Chiefs of Staff to deploy more than 11 entertainment tours.
This trip marks the first USO tour for Stinchcomb and McGowan, and the second for Gandolfini and Sirico.
