Actress Kate Walsh is heading out on a tour of the Middle East in a bid to boost the morale of soldiers.

The former Grey's Anatomy star has teamed up with the United Service Organizations (Uso), which supports American troops around the globe, for the visit this spring (13), and the cause is close to her heart.

She says, "I feel honoured to volunteer with the Uso and spend time with our nation's men and women in uniform. This trip means a lot to me personally, my father was a decorated Korean War veteran and I take great pride in his service. I look forward to expressing my gratitude to all those who currently serve this great nation."

Actor Kal Penn is also heading out on the visit, his third trip with Uso, and he is looking forward to meeting the servicemen and women.

He adds, "Touring with the Uso is one of the most rewarding experiences of all time. Nothing quite compares to the unique places you get to see, the personal stories you hear, the great things you learn, or the lifetime memories you walk away with. When I first started volunteering five years ago, I've (sic) witnessed first-hand how the Uso is always by the side of our troops stationed around the world and I'm thrilled to be a part of something that special."