Multi-platinum recording artist and four-time Grammy nominee, Daughtry joins WWE Superstars to honor the United States Armed Forces with the 11th annual WWE Tribute to the Troops holiday celebration that will air as a one-hour television special on Saturday, December 28 at 8 p.m. EST on NBC.
In recognition of the decade long tradition of bringing WWE action to the troops during the holiday season, WWE received the first-ever Legacy of Hope Award, named after Bob Hope, in 2004. This year, the event will be hosted by Access Hollywood’s Michelle Beadle and will include special messages from Will Ferrell, Bruce Willis, Ryan Seacrest, Christina Applegate and Stephen Colbert. Additionally, comedian Jeff Dunham will perform live for troops and their families.
The event will emanate from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA, which is the largest operational base in the world and houses more than 100,000 civilians, troops and family members from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines. This celebration at Joint Base Lewis-McChord will be the first time WWE has partnered with the United States Air Force for its annual holiday celebration.
“We are very proud to welcome WWE to Washington state, home of WWE greats like Greg ‘The Hammer’ Valentine and Daniel Bryan,” said Washington Governor Jay Inslee. “The men and women in the military, and their families, serve our state and our nation with admirable dedication. I know they are looking forward to Tribute to the Troops, and we are looking forward to saying thanks for all they do.”
As a part of the annual celebration, WWE Superstars and Divas will spend the day at Joint Base Lewis-McChord and nearby Naval Base Kitsap, hosting Be a STAR (Show Tolerance And Respect) anti-bullying rallies and reading celebrations as well as making hospital visits.
“Tribute to the Troops is WWE’s way of thanking those who have sacrificed so much for our country as well as those who continue to defend our freedom today,” said WWE Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Vince McMahon. “We are proud to continue this annual tradition with our partners at Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Governor Inslee.”
