Chopper, Inc.'s Billy Lane to Visit Troops in Germany
ARLINGTON, Va., June 26 -- Custom bike builder Billy Lane will depart on his first USO tour to Germany June 30. During the six-day tour, Lane will spend time with service members and their families at Vogelweh Military Complex as well as participate in July 4th celebrations at Spangdahlem Air Force Base, Baumholder Army Base and Ramstein Air Base. This tour is co-sponsored by Armed Forces Entertainment.
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Lane has a long-standing respect for the armed forces. During a recent tour of bike rallies across the country, documented in the recently released DVD "Blood, Sweat, and Gears," Lane gave custom bikes to four service members. In addition, he has written two books, "Chop Fiction" and "How to Build Old School Choppers and Bobbers."
After graduating from college with a degree in mechanical engineering, Lane started working on motorcycles and making custom bike parts for his friends as gifts. The demand for Lane's specialty parts led to the formation of Choppers, Inc. in 1995. Lane's bikes and parts also have been featured in numerous magazines and have won several awards.
Since 1941, USO celebrity entertainment has played an essential role in boosting troop morale. With a handshake, signed autograph or simple conversation, entertainers are conveying the thanks of a grateful nation. Some performers who have participated in recent USO tours include Master P and Lil' Romeo, Toby Keith, Gary Sinise, Chely Wright, Montgomery Gentry and La Mafia. Tours are sponsored by AT&T, Inc., the official telecommunications sponsor of USO entertainment tours.
About the USO: For more than 65 years, the USO (United Service Organizations) has been providing morale, welfare and recreational services to U.S. military personnel and their families. The USO is a nonprofit, charitable organization, relying on the generosity of the American people to support its programs and services. The USO is supported by Worldwide Strategic Partners AT&T Inc., BAE SYSTEMS, Clear Channel Communications, The Coca-Cola Company, Military Channel, S&K Sales Company and TriWest Healthcare Alliance. Other corporate donors, including the United Way and Combined Federal Campaign (CFC-0600), have joined thousands of individual donors to support the USO. For more information on the USO, please visit our Web site at http://www.uso.org/.
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