During their remarkable journey, The War and Treaty made a memorable stop in Naples, Italy on October 25 for their second USO tour, which turned out to be a remarkable experience beyond just a performance. The duo, comprising Michael and Tanya Trotter, embraced this opportunity to connect with the local military community in a unique way.

While in Naples, they were fortunate to be joined by the U.S. Navy band stationed in the Mediterranean, which was on an off-duty day. This unexpected collaboration allowed the ensemble to support them during one of their four scheduled performances on this tour. Michael Trotter, a veteran who served in Iraq nearly 20 years ago, found that this visit transcended a typical concert, transforming into a heartfelt exchange of stories and emotions.

As USO global entertainment production director Sarah Moll recalls, the performance culminated in a poignant moment where Michael engaged in a genuine heart-to-heart conversation with the sailors about his journey and the profound impact that music can have on healing and resilience. He shared how he turned to music during challenging times while serving. Observing the audience, Sarah noted the emotional responses—tears, nodding heads, and smiles—indicating that the sailors felt acknowledged and understood in a way that was deeply moving.

November marks National Veterans and Military Families Month, a time to honor and connect with troops and their families. The impact of a USO visit cannot be overstated, as it serves as a vital link for military personnel stationed overseas. Michael Trotter, with his military background, possesses a unique understanding of how deeply meaningful these visits can be for soldiers, offering a moment of respite and connection.

He emphasizes, “Nobody’s asking questions about home. No one’s thinking about that. They’re mission-driven.” Such focus is what elevates the U.S. military to be known as the greatest fighting force in history. This dedication to duty makes every performance an essential part of their experience. When entertainers come to perform, they provide exactly what the troops seek: a chance to be entertained and to escape, even momentarily, from their demanding responsibilities.

For over 80 years, the USO has played a critical role in supporting service members through entertainment. Established in February 1941, before the onset of World War II, the organization was created to bring joy and laughter to the military community, featuring performances from various artists, athletes, and celebrities. This long-standing tradition of entertainment has become a significant part of military life.

Country music has played an integral role in the USO’s history, with icons like Gene Autry being among the first to lend their voice to the troops. Autry famously performed for over 1 million service members and their families in the Pacific theater after his military service in 1945. Over the decades, legendary artists such as Johnny Cash, Roy Acuff, Barbara Mandrell, Charley Pride, and Randy Travis have participated in this noble cause, with many contemporary stars like Darryl Worley, Chely Wright, Kellie Pickler, Trace Adkins, Montgomery Gentry, and Toby Keith following in their footsteps, often performing at the front lines during annual overseas tours.

Typically, entertainers are kept out of the most perilous areas, yet their visits can profoundly affect soldiers, even when they are not in active combat zones. The War and Treaty’s inaugural USO tour took them to Camp Casey in South Korea, located just 13 miles from the demilitarized zone that separates North and South Korea. Michael recalls the feelings of being “literally in the danger zone,” which added intensity to their performance.

Amidst their performance, Michael shared his own Iraq War experiences, recounting tales of comrades he served alongside and those he lost in combat. Interestingly, one of his former comrades was present at the base and had the opportunity to reconnect with Michael. This visit was also significant for Tanya, who gained deeper insight into Michael’s struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which was triggered during their time there.

Michael reflected on the emotional toll of the visit, stating, “I had to take a breather because my mind was getting back into war mode.” This moment of vulnerability allowed Tanya to better understand the triggers of his PTSD and how they can resurface in high-stress environments.

Tanya noted, “It was more intensified than it is at home, but it’s what we do deal with all the time.” She elaborated that the experiences Michael had do not simply fade away; rather, they can heighten depending on the circumstances and environment, leading to heightened emotional responses during such visits.

Michael’s experience at Camp Casey serves as a powerful reminder of the USO’s significance. Entertainers have the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in military life for a brief period. While these artists may face challenges during their visits, they have the privilege of returning home after their missions, whereas soldiers endure extended tours until their duties conclude.

Even the smallest gestures can leave lasting impressions—Sarah Moll recalls how Craig Morgan once gifted two guitars to service members he met on tour. Simple interactions, such as sharing a meal with the troops, can forge connections that resonate deeply.

“The coolest part,” Sarah shares, “is where we get to sit down and have a meal with them. I’m like, ‘Where are you from?’ And they’re like, ‘Oh, I’m from New Jersey,’ or ‘I’m from Virginia.’” These conversations create common ground, bridging the distance of being in a foreign land while fostering connections that matter. Sarah acts as an essential link between the USO and the entertainment industry, facilitating these meaningful interactions.

With an impressive background as the NFL director of media events, Sarah Moll has worked with top artists like Bruno Mars, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and Katy Perry at the Super Bowl. Transitioning to the USO has added a profound layer of meaning to her career. She reflects, “I put my head down at night, and I’m like, ‘I did good today,’” highlighting how her work positively impacts both the entertainers and the service members.

“There isn’t probably one person that I have toured with that hasn’t said, ‘Call me anytime. Let me know what you want me to do. Where are we going next year?’” she notes. This demonstrates the lasting legacy of these experiences and the artists’ commitment to supporting the troops.

This sentiment is echoed by The War and Treaty, who are eager to continue the rich tradition of supporting military personnel. Michael emphasizes, “It’s very important. I had some good people to follow in the past—of course, Bob Hope, but also thinking of Whoopi Goldberg, Robin Williams, Billy Crystal, and Toby Keith. I’m very excited to try to pick up a mantle here and contribute to this noble cause.”