Stryper‘s Oz Fox and guitarist Sin Quirin, whose projects include Ministry, Revco and Lords Of Acid, have joined established guitarist/songwriter Damon Marks on his first-ever USO tour, which is taking place November 2-7 in Germany. During the five-day morale-boosting trip, they are spending time at multiple military schools — where they are attending school assemblies and band camps and talking with youngsters about the arts.
Kicking off the tour on a high note, the Traveling Guitar Foundation(TGF) founder generously donated 12 custom ESP electric acoustic and bass guitars, along with accompanying study guides, to four Department of Defense Dependents Schools in Germany. He also pledged to give another XXX to the Fort Campbell Warrior and Transition Base to aid with music education and XXX to the USO‘s brand new, state-of-the art USO Warrior and Family Care Center’s Music Room at Fort Belvoir, which opens in late 2012, to help our wounded, ill and injured continue to heal.
Marks and the TGF are avid supporters of our military community and theUSO. A veteran performer, Marks has worked as a guitarist on Alicia Keys‘ Freedom Tour and played at numerous world-renowned arenas, including Madison Square Garden. In 2010, he founded the TGF — a nonprofit organization that provides equipment and support for schools struggling to finance music education programs.
Said Marks: “When I learned about the USO and all the great work they do not only for active duty troops on the frontlines but also our wounded warriors and military families, I knew I had to do something to show troops how much they are appreciated and valued. I chose to do that by volunteering my time and granting them the wish of music. It is an privilege for me and the Traveling Guitar Foundation to be a part of such a terrific experience.”
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