Chicago Sun-Times: [ McMahon ready to lead WWE invasion of Iraq ]

McMahon ready to lead WWE invasion of Iraq

The WWE will celebrate Christmas this year by giving a little back to the troops in Iraq. Next week's edition of "SmackDown" will be shown from the battlefields of the Middle East as Vince McMahon and the company try to bring some of the U.S. over to the men and women of the military.

In addition to performing two shows, the WWE will be touring the entire region to greet the forces as well as give them care packages as part of "Operation USO Care Package."

"The participation of a great organization like the WWE is essential to the success of a program like 'Operation USO Care Package,"' said Brigadier General Michael Teilmann, executive director of the USO. "Having the WWE superstars not only promote this program, but then deliver the packages, provides an added dimension and brings that extra bit of home to our troops. I think it's tremendous."

Most of the "SmackDown" stars will be on the tour. "We are looking forward to visiting the troops and providing them with the most unusual, entertaining live event ever produced for the holidays," McMahon said. "We plan on carrying as many care packages as we can to deliver to the troops, along with greetings from the American public."

Brock Lesnar will not make the trip because of numerous injuries, but sources indicate Stone Cold Steve Austin will be on the tour as a special guest.

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