Country star shines for Balad

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JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq (AFNS) --  Trace Adkins performed here Nov. 2 for more than 1,500 servicemembers and civilians.

The performance was part of Mr. Adkins' third USO tour to support deployed servicemembers.

For fans like Army Sgt. 1st Class Amanda Prier, the 103rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command Military Justice NCO in charge, every song was a hit.

"I loved all the songs," Sergeant Prier said. "This was my second time to see him in concert, but this was my favorite because, this time, he came to see us instead of us going to see him."

Mr. Adkins said the reason he continues to visit servicemembers is because they are still here.

"When there's no (servicemembers) to perform for, I guess I'll stop coming," he said. "I have a selfish reason for doing this. As I sit on the porch with my grandkids, I can tell them I didn't have a direct hand in shaping history, but I shook the hands of those who did."

(Courtesy of the 103rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command)