BNA Recording Artist Kellie Pickler to Entertain Troops on USO Tour to Persian Gulf

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BNA Recording Artist Kellie Pickler to Entertain Troops on USO Tour to Persian Gulf
Submitted By Liz Fulghum
Dec 3, 2007

NASHVILLE , TN -- Kellie Pickler is packing her bags for the Persian Gulf to perform for service members as part of a USO/MNC-I entertainment tour. This is Kellie’s first USO tour and she will show her gratitude to troops by performing songs from her current album, posing for pictures signing autographs and visiting with armed forces personnel.

“I am so grateful to the USO for this opportunity,” says Pickler. “This is my first ever trip overseas and to be able to sing for our troops makes it even more special. I have to be honest though, I hate bugs and I saw on the internet these pictures of Camel Spiders. They're huge! I’m gonna be carrying around a really big can of bug spray with me so don’t sneak up on me or you might get exterminated,” she laughed.

In appreciation for U.S. troops and the sacrifices made by their loved ones, Pickler joined Brad Paisley, among others, in early August for an impromptu concert at Fort Campbell , Kentucky . She kicked off the show and performed for more than 35,000 soldiers and their family members. Following the event, Pickler, along with other music artists, were presented with a souvenir of thanks by Major General Jeffrey Schloesser of the U.S. Army.

Historically, few events have left a more lasting positive emotional impression on service members and their families than USO celebrity entertainment tours. Since the USO's inception in 1941, thousands of celebrities have selflessly lent their time and talents, and traveled to military bases around the world to entertain the troops. USO tours are essential to fulfilling the USO's focus on boosting troop morale by bringing a small piece of home to them.