Behind the Scenes: John Besh, Olivia Munn & Ray Rice Celebrate Our Troops

14 Feb Behind the Scenes: John Besh, Olivia Munn & Ray Rice Celebrate Our Troops

Working in PR and Events, I get to work with some incredible brands and celebrities. Trust me, it’s not all fun and games, but some programs are personally rewarding to me. Last week, I had the pleasure of working the Jeep Operations SAFE Return launch event at the USO Warrior and Family Center in Fort Belvoir, VA. The event was a celebration for service members and their families and included a feast prepared by celebrity chef John Besh.

John Besh prepping food for service-members and their families

Besh is a former Marine, so he knows firsthand the sacrifices troops and their families make on a daily basis. He spent the evening laughing with guests, taking photos and keeping every plate in a 3-foot radius full. I thought the kids in the room would pass out from sugar-highs from sampling all the amazing treats he made made for them.

Speaking of the kiddies…they were kept fully entertained by 2013 Super Bowl Champ Ray Rice and The Newsroom’s Olivia Munn.

Olivia Munn making t-shirts for military families

Ray Rice dancing “the Dougie”

Bet you Didn’t know Rice can Dougie? He got the party started on the dance floor, but lost his mojo to some cute kids at the foosball table. He had to do ten pushup as penalty: imposed by the kids. Turns out military kids don’t cut anyone slack. But the running back didn’t break a sweat or lose his smile when he hit the floor.

Ray Rice playing foosball with kids

Rice’s brother is in the Air Force and is currently deployed. He chats with him almost daily and was sincere in his words of support to the troops and their families. He wanted everyone to have a great time and it showed.

Olivia Munn taking the turn table for a spin

Olivia Munn was equally warm and gracious all evening and was busy transforming every guest in the room into a new friend. She grew up in a military family, and was determined to personally show her gratitude to every service member and family in attendance. I actually lost count of how many family photos she posed for. And, that girl turned out to be a wiz at running the kids’ t-shirts printing machine. She also took a turn at the DJ booth with Rice, and no one minded one bit.

It was humbling to be in a room with so much positive energy and to work with a group that desired nothing more than to honor the heroes in the room: the service members and their families.

Ray Rice having fun with a military family

Olivia Munn having fun making t-shirts

My night wrapped up pretty late. I was working after-all, but it’s hard to think of this event as work when I know so many people left with smiles on their faces. You can learn more Operation Safe Return here.

–A bientôt‎