KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - Kandahar Airfield recently welcomed a guest performer who is no stranger to the military.
Country music artist Trace Adkins took the stage to deliver a concert to more than 250 service members and civilians April 18.
Hosted by NATO Train, Advise, Assist Command - South, Adkins and his band performed in the early evening, and remained after the concert until the last service members who wanted to meet him had had their chance.
"My support is unconditional," Adkins said, addressing the crowd from stage.
Prior to his concert, Brig. Gen. Viet Luong, the unit commander, presented Adkins with an honorary set of cavalry spurs during a ceremony at the TAAC-S headquarters.
Adkins then accompanied Luong to a ceremony for wounded service members, who were awarded the Purple Heart and Combat Action Badge for their actions in combat.
Later, Adkins and his band made time for a more intimate dinner with about a dozen troops assigned to TAAC-S.
The concert began at 8:15 p.m.
"This is my tenth USO tour," said Adkins. "And when people ask me why I do it, I say, 'Well, you all are still here.'"
The singer, who has been performing for more than twenty years, treated the crowd to some of his hits and personal favorites, to loud applause and cheers from the assembled troops and civilians.
Rounding out the night, he met with all the service members who stayed behind, taking photos and chatting with troops as they filed through backstage.
"We came over here to say thank you - thank you so much for all that you do," said Adkins. "God bless."
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