Kellie on troops

[Drew Lipski]

Paisley, Pickler and Swift sing for Fort Campbell troops

By BEVERLY KEEL

Brad Paisley brought his national tour, including opening acts Kellie Pickler and Taylor Swift, to the Fort Campbell Army post on Monday, giving a free concert to soldiers and their families and post employees.

"It's great whenever these folks decide to come and play for soldiers," said media relations officer Cathy Gramling. "It's a great show of thanks and appreciation for them."

Most of the 30,000 soldiers are home now at the post near Clarksville, but many will be deployed to Iraq in early fall. "In that way, it's one of the those special events before they go off for what we're planning to be 15 months," Cathy said.

Brad got the idea after hearing that so many Fort Campbell soldiers would be away from home for more than a year.

"That just blew my mind, thinking about what they'll miss, especially leaving in September," he said. "I also found out that a lot of them are (deploying) their second time at least. I thought, while we are in Nashville, if we can find a day, we ought to just set this up and play for them before they leave as a thank you and an opportunity to let their families take their minds off of it. It's the least I could do. What they are doing is so amazingly selfless as far as a career goes."

Kellie felt the same drive, particularly since she's had family in the service, including a grandfather who was in the Marines.

"It's a great thing to do for them because they do so much," she said. "It's all out of pure love, and we want to have a good time and show them a good time."

Jack Ingram was the only tour performer unable to make the event because he had a prior commitment. "I am sure that those guys are happier looking at them anyway," joked Brad, referring to his female tourmates.

When asked what it would be like being the hot blonde onstage in front of so many soldiers," Kellie said, "I have got a man, so…." But her beau, Predator Jordin Tootoo, wasn't in attendance because he's still in Canada.

"I really have respect for them," she said of the soldiers. "I guess it's all about having a good time and forgetting about the worries and cares. It's just a laid-back, fun environment."

You can see Brad interviewed tonight at 8 on Hannity and Colmes on the Fox News Channel.

Paisley, Pickler and Swift sing for Fort Campbell troops - Nashville, Tennessee - Tuesday, 08/07/07 - Tennessean.com

[rwealone]

Flag 03.gifTo Brad & Company, We Salute You!Flag 03.gif

[pick_pickler23]

I'm glad Kellie had the chance to perform for the troops!

[CortneyChristin]

Aww thats really awesome of all 3 of them! My brother is a marine reservist who I think might be going to Iraq in January, hes not 100% yet though. That would be so cool if Kellie performed for him...i would be sooo jealous haha