Trace Adkins Performs for Troops

Trace Adkins has a no-nonsense attitude about the men and women who serve in this country's military. He supports them 100 percent, not just with words or songs like 'Arlington,' but in making trips to entertain the troops who are serving in various branches of the service.

Adkins will soon be headed to the Persian Gulf (protocol requires that specific dates not be announced) to perform for the soldiers as part of a USO/Armed Forces tour. The country crooner was never in the military and says he will always wonder what would have happened if he had made a different decision back when he was in college.

"I talk about that in my book ('A Personal Stand: Observations and Opinions from a Free-thinking Roughneck'), about deciding to play college football instead of going into the Marine Corp," Adkins explains. "I had the chance to play for Louisiana Tech and football was my life at that time. I just wonder now how things would have been different if I had chosen to join the Marines. I think they would have made a man out of me a lot faster than me making it on my own."

During his week-long visit to the Persian Gulf area, Adkins will visit remote forward operating bases where he will sign autographs and pose for pictures. But most of all he wants to say a heartfelt thank you to those currently serving overseas in support of operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

"I'm really humbled by the opportunity to spend more time with our nation's finest," the singer says proudly. "This is such an honor for me to be able to visit with our military and tell them how much we truly appreciate all the sacrifices they make for our country and our freedom."

In 2007, Adkins was awarded the USO Merit Award for his dedication to and support of the troops and for his assistance to others. "That was one of the most humbling experiences in my life," Adkins admits. "I was sitting at the dinner and I look around and I'm sitting across from First Lady Laura Bush and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. It was intimidating for me to be honored by the military when I knew I had never served my country. I didn't really felt I deserved the award but I received it as graciously and as humbly as I could."

Adkins has a new album set to be released on November 25. Until then, fans can enjoy the first music available from the CD, his latest single 'Muddy Water.' Adkins performed the song with 38 Special and a full gospel choir when he taped 'CMT Crossroads.' That show will air on CMT on September 27.