My name is Larry Izzo and I wear jersey # 53 for the New England Patriots, now in my eigth year with the team. In early 2005, after the Patriots beat the Eagles in the Super Bowl and my third trip to the Pro Bowl in Hawaii, I had the honor of visiting our Troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. It was an unbelievable journey for me with memories that will stay with me forever.

 
Doug Flutie, Matt Light and Tom Brady Singing "Friends in Low Places" at the Inaugural Salute to the Troops

I made a promise to our Troops that I would never forget them, fulfilling a commitment I had made in my father's memory. Larry, Sr., my father, graduated from West Point in 1967 and retired as a full Colonel in 1990 after 23 years in the military. He passed away on October 25, 2003, and as a tribute to my wonderful father and the influence he had on my life, I have always wanted to do something to help the families of our American Troops.

That was when I decided to host an annual event with my New England Patriot teammates. All proceeds go to the families of American Troops who have died in combat, and to those American Veterans left disabled as a result of their military service in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Every year I will host "Karaoke with Larry Izzo and the New England Patriots - A benefit for our Troops and their families". My teammates will be there to perform their best Karaoke with corporate sponsors, mingle with the fans and enjoy a great night. This will be a night for all to remember and the proceeds will go to the heroes who unselfishly served in Iraq and Afghanistan and to the families of those deceased Troops.