April 11, 2008
She's got stars in her eyes and service in her heart
Donelson woman organizes celebrity entertainment for troops overseas
By ANDY HUMBLES | ahumbles@tennessean.com | 726-5939
Donelson's Judy Seale knows quite a few music, entertainment and sports personalities through her business producing festivals in foreign countries.
She puts those connections to work for Stars for Stripes, the separate nonprofit organization that has become her passion.
Stars for Stripes organizes celebrity entertainment on visits to remote locations where troops are stationed overseas. Seale solicits celebrities to donate time, similar to USO shows, and escorts them.
"The volunteer hours she (puts in) are insane,'' said actress Karri Turner of TV's JAG.
Aaron Tippin, Lee Ann Womack, Diamond Rio, Dierks Bentley and the Bellamy Brothers are among other celebrities Seale has worked with on tours. Stars for Stripes has produced about 23 tours since Seale set up the organization in 2003.
USO tour made big impact
In 1991 Seale participated in a USO tour to Iceland with the Forester Sisters. Seeing the conditions troops were enduring there left an imprint.
"It changed my life,'' said Seale, who grew up in Alabama but was not in a military family.
Then she took a job with the Jim Halsey Co., a country music booking agency based in Tulsa, Okla. Seale moved to Nashville in 1988 working with the Jim Halsey Co. and in 1990 became a full partner with Refugee Management Inc. She formed Seale International Inc. in 2001. She has lived in Donelson since 1999.
In 2003 Seale took part in a tour to Afghanistan, which motivated her to set up Stars for Stripes.
"I saw a greater need and how many remote bases there were that needed entertainment,'' Seale said.
Actor Gary Sinise, whom Seale met on a tour just before setting up Stars for Stripes, helps recommend actors to Seale. Tippin and Charlie Daniels are among celebrities who have committed to tours this year. Dates and locations cannot be announced beforehand for security reasons, Seale said.
The celebrities aren't paid other than a per diem of about $100 a day. Lodging and food are generally provided at the base. Flights are generally commercial.
"Speaking personally, after you've gone over one time and see the dedication of the troops and that you can bring them a little bit of home, it's an addiction,'' Turner said. "I'm sure Judy sees it the same way.''
For more information, visit www.starsforstripes.com.
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Stars For Stripes is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing quality entertainment to internationally deployed U.S. military forces. Bringing together professionals from aviation, entertainment and the military, Stars For Stripes is improving the overseas tour experience for performers, sponsors, donors, and most importantly, for the dedicated men and women protecting our national interests. We support their commitment. We honor their service. We understand their sacrifice. WE WILL NEVER FORGET.
STARS FOR STRIPES IS A NON-PROFIT, 501(c)(3) CORPORATION
TO LEARN MORE OR TO MAKE A DONATION, GO TO www.starsforstripes.com
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