Since 2001, members of the United States military have been overseas fighting the War on Terror.

And while they’ve been protecting our country, countless soldiers have spent the holidays away from their families.

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Since 2003, however, a handful of celebrities have shown their support for the troops during the holiday season — and this December was no different.

Many stars — including actors Wilmer Valderrama (“That ’70s Show,” “NCIS”)(shown above right) and Milo Ventimiglia (“Rocky Balboa,” “This Is Us”), Olympic gold medalist snowboarder Shaun White, singer Kellie Pickler (above left), CrossFit world champion Mat Fraser, DJ J. Dayz, and comedian Jessimae Peluso — participated in the 18th annual USO Holiday Tour. They traveling to U.S. military bases in Norway, Bahrain and Iraq over the past week, showing their appreciation for all that the military does for our nation.

Based on their social media postings, the celebrities involved this year seemed thrilled to have the opportunity to brighten the days of American soldiers.

In an Instagram post, White wrote, “Guys, excited to let you know what an honor and privilege it is to be a part of the USO Tour. I can’t think of a better way to spend the holidays than getting to make new friends, spend time with our troops, and fly around on AIR FORCE 2!!”

He also posted a photo of himself with many soldiers in Iraq.

Valderrama was also honored to attend.

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He appeared to be speaking to troops on stage at one point at an event.

In addition to his speech, there was live music on stage, which included singing from Pickler.

Each and every year, the celebrities who make the trip come from a variety of backgrounds.

While actor Gary Sinise has made the trip in the past — including last year — the tour has also featured conservative pop singer Kaya Jones (2010), as well as Boston Red Sox pitchers Heath Hembree and Steven Wright (2015).

Of course, these trips have been happening since long before the War on Terror. The late, great comedian Bob Hope famously entertained the troops consistently throughout World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Persian Gulf War.

His touring with the USO lasted over half a century.

The official USO website explains that it organizes events year-round.

In 2017, the organization featured over 300 live entertainment events in 21 different countries. Those activities reached over 55,000 of this country’s armed service members.

The event holiday tour is led by Marine Corps Gen. Joe Dunford, the current chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; but the former chairman, Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers, created the event.

Approximately 190,000 U.S. troops spent this Christmas season overseas in countries across the globe, including Iraq and Afghanistan, according to the U.S. Department of Defense.

Tom Joyce is a freelance writer from the South Shore of Massachusetts. He covers sports, pop culture, and politics and has contributed to The Federalist, Newsday, and other outlets.