Twilight Star Michael Welch Dazzled Military Teens on First USO Education Tour

Twilight actor Michael Welch addresses a group of schoolchildren at the Kapaun School Age Program at Kaiserslautern, Germany on July 9, 2010. (USO photo by Jaime M. Goloyugo)

“Traveling with the USO and meeting military families has been a new experience for me, and one that I will never forget. Hearing firsthand what it’s like to have a loved one deployed is humbling and it makes me realize how much military families sacrifice, and how grateful I am for their service.” – Michael Welch

Twilight star Michael Welch recently completed his first USO education tour to Germany.   During his six-day adventure, Welch visited 10 teen and youth centers, signed autographs, posed for photos and participated in acting workshops.  In addition to visiting with over 600 military kids and teens, the young star made a trip to the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, where he met with wounded warriors, as well as children recovering in the hospital’s pediatric ward.

As part of his USO tour, the 86th Services Squadron hosted an online contest and two lucky young winners were treated to dinner with Welch.  Best known for his role as ‘Mike Newton’ in Twilight and most recently seen in the newly released Eclipse, Welch has also made appearances on hit TV series such as “CSI: Miami,” “Numb3rs” and “Law & Order: SVU.”  Check out our photo essay below!

Michael Welch signs autographs for a group of teenage fans at the Landstuhl Teen Center, July 9, 2010. (USO photo by Jaime M. Goloyugo)

Several Troops snagged autographs for their military teens and kids when Michael Walsh stopped by the Landstuhl Teen Center on July 9, 2010. (USO photo by Jaime M. Goloyugo)

Welch poses with staff at the Landstuhl Teen Center, July 9, 2010. (USO photo by Jaime M. Goloyugo)

Welch spent over an hour taking questions and then posed for a group shot with students and staff at the Landstuhl School Age Program, July 9, 2010. (USO photo by Jaime M. Goloyugo)

Welch entertains a variety of questions from a group of youth ages 6-12 at the Landstuhl School Age Program on July 9, 2010. (USO photo by jaime M. Goloyugo)