Most Soldiers, when they receive orders to go to Kuwait and Iraq, aren't surprised. However, most Soldiers' tours aren't like that of 1st Lt. Alisha Osborne, U.S. Army Reserve Command budget officer.
From March 4 through April 19, Osborne took part in the USA Express tour, sponsored by U.S. Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation, to go to remote locations to entertain deployed Soldiers.
"The purpose was to go to smaller forward operating bases and patrol bases to boost morale," she said.
Osborne's opportunity had its roots back in 2006, when she was a cast member in the U.S. Army Soldier Show.
While working on the show, she was approached by USA Express, coordinator, Cordell Hall, who expressed an interest in working with her.
However, due to budget constraints, the USA Express was not running shows.
"USA Express hadn't sent a band out since 2005," Osborne said.
The show continued to remain on the shelf until this year.
Despite the five-year layover, Osborne said Hall still had her in mind.
"When the opportunity came up, Mr. Hall called me," Osborne said. "I guess I did a live demo four years ago."
The call was a surprise, but for co-worker Earlene Bannister, program analyst, G-3/5/7 resource management, USARC, it was no surprise why someone with Osborne's talent would be chosen.
"She's friendly and outgoing," Bannister said. "She's done a lot of ceremonies at Fort McPherson and Fort Gillem."
Bannister said another sign of Osborne's talent was her selection to sing at the Army Day at the Atlanta Braves June 20.
While Osborne's selection caused some trepidation in her office at losing an employee for a few weeks, overall, the feeling was that it would be a good opportunity for Osborne to represent the Army Reserve by entertaining the troops, Bannister said.
Osborne got a chance to show off her vocals while on the tour. Her part in the variety show, which took place in 42 different locations, was to sing different songs in the rhythm and blues, pop and old school genres.
Although Osborne was entertaining troops during her tour, she was also taking things away, mainly a new gratitude for the hardships and dangers troops go through. Such feelings were evident in her character, said Bannister.
"She came back with a very positive outlook and was glad to be able to do it and see how the troops responded," she said. "She was glad to do something to bring minimal peace to their lives."
Despite obstacles, such as being the only officer and female involved in the tour, Osborne said it was a rewarding experience.
"It was my first time overseas; I've been behind the desk most of the time," Osborne said. "I got a new appreciation for what Soldiers go through."
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