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Cher Fights for Safer Helmets for Troops

Cher is vocal about her opposition to the war, but she says that it infuriates her to have this position mistaken as failing to support to the troops. She's putting her money where her mouth is, too -- contributing "well over $100,000" (according to Pennsylvania Congressman Curt Weldon) on efforts to push through a law that would provide soldiers with upgraded helmets.

Cher's presence on Capitol Hill attracted a barrage of press, who may have otherwise let a meeting of the House Armed Services committee slip past unnoticed. Rep. Steve Israel was one of several committee members who cited Cher's mere presence as an important development. The singer sat near Bob Meaders, the founder of the non-profit organization Operation Helmet, which gives free helmet upgrades to troops. The cost of each individual upgrade, which involves a modification of the inside of the helmet, is estimated at $100.

Cher has also been taking her fight to television. During Memorial Day weekend, she called in to a C-SPAN program to criticize Congress for its inaction. This week, she took her platform to CNN's Anderson Cooper 360, where she told the newsman that it was rewarding to use her celebrity for a worthy cause and expressed shock that "such a little price" could "save someone's life."

Also in attendance at the House Armed Services committee meeting was California Representative Mary Bono, the widow of Sonny Bono, who also praised Cher for her efforts.

--The ARTISTdirect Staff
06.22.06