[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1255 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                    September 17, 2008.
Whereas thousands of celebrities have donated their time to entertain members of 
        the Armed Forces both in the United States and abroad through the United 
        Service Organizations (hereafter known as the ``USO'');
Whereas since the USO's founding in 1941, country music personalities have been 
        an essential element of the USO's entertainment;
Whereas Oklahoma native Toby Keith made six USO tours around the world, 
        performing in such locations as Cuba, Germany, Belgium, Kosovo, Italy, 
        and Africa; and entertaining more than 135,000 members of the Armed 
        Forces in Middle East Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom;
Whereas Toby Keith has volunteered to perform at some of the most dangerous and 
        remote locations in the Persian Gulf, which require Apache escorts and 
        include Forward Operating Bases with total populations of not more than 
        50 members of the Armed Forces;
Whereas, on April 24, 2008, while performing in Kandahar, Afghanistan mortar 
        fire disrupted his concert;
Whereas few, if any, performers have traveled to such remote and dangerous 
        military bases with Toby Keith's frequency;
Whereas Toby Keith has acted as a valuable liaison between forward deployed 
        troops, the USO, and the American public;
Whereas Toby Keith makes it a priority to give tickets to members of the Armed 
        Forces here in the United States;
Whereas Toby Keith allows members of the Armed Forces to eat and drink for free 
        in his restaurants; and
Whereas Toby Keith co-wrote and performed the hit song ``American Solider'' 
        honoring the sacrifices that America's soldiers make on a daily basis: 
        Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) honors Toby Keith's commitment to our country's Armed Forces 
        overseas;
            (2) encourages other entertainers to take into consideration Toby 
        Keith's deep commitment to boosting the morale of our Nation's Armed 
        Forces when supporting USO operations; and
            (3) a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to 
        Toby Keith.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.