Nashville, TN. (Top40 Charts/ Capitol Records) - These days country fans aren't surprised to find
Trace Adkins just about anywhere. From rocking out stages in luminous spotlights to taking on roles in some of Hollywood's most anticipated films, the possibilities are endless. But on the premiere of Great American Country's newest special Trace Adkins: X (TEN) Days (Nov. 25 - 9 pm ET), the country artist shed his superstar aura and went overseas to Iraq and Afghanistan on a mission that would warm the hearts of United States military personnel who sacrifice every day for their country.
In correlation with the title of his new album, Trace Adkins "X" (TEN), which will also be released Nov. 25, Adkins dedicated ten days to performing for 10,000 United States military personnel in partnership with the USO. Traveling to remote forward operating bases (FOB's) in Iraq and Afghanistan, the country artist gave his personal thanks the best way he knows how: through eleven live acoustic and full-band performances of popular mega-hits, latest cuts, and of course, his timeless, hair-raising salutes to the American armed forces, "I Came Here to Live" and "Arlington."
"It's our duty to make sure those men and women know we know (and appreciate) them putting their lives on the line for us everyday," says Adkins. "You are playing for a crowd that is more appreciative and responsive than any other crowd you'll ever play for again and you just want to make them smile. That's what it was about for me."
Adkins and his band also performed "Hillbilly Rich," "Marry For Money," "Muddy Water," and "Sweet" from what will be his tenth album with Capitol Records, in addition to crowd favorites "I Got My Game On" and "Ladies Love Country Boys." To end the show, Adkins invites the service members on stage to join him in a fun rendition of "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk."
"We set out to entertain and give them a chance to have some fun and that's the best way to end (the tour). Mission accomplished," he said.
The cameras follow Adkins and his fellow travelers as they learn about the realities of combat missions from the men and women serving in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, through his assistance in reenlistment ceremonies, riding in black hawk helicopters, blowing up damaged ammunition, participating in target practice, waiting out a sand storm, and serving ice cream to the troops.
For Adkins, there was another moment that made the trip even more special. Together, the USO organization and military officials arranged for Adkins' manager J.W. Williams to see his son Trey Williams, when the group landed in Afghanistan where Trey is currently stationed. It was a moment also not lost on the older Williams, who called it "the second greatest moment in my life, behind my son's birth."
