Pickler feels safe while on USO tour in Middle East

Drew Lipski · 02-15-2008, 01:13 AM

Pickler feels safe while on USO tour in Middle East
By BEVERLY KEEL

Kellie Pickler invited GAC cameras along to capture the excitement and emotion on her first USO tour to the Middle East in December for a video diary that premieres Saturday at 8 p.m.

Kellie Pickler: My USO Diary follows the country singer as she visits a half-dozen military bases and isolated combat outposts in Iraq. She manned a turret position on a Bradley Fighting Vehicle, performed for thousands of soldiers and participated in promotion ceremonies. She even traveled between bases in a BlackHawk helicopter.

"It was such an amazing learning experience and an incredible hands-on experience," Kellie said. "I have a whole new respect for my military. I can't even explain it.

"I highly recommend to any other entertainer that they be part of the USO tour. They are missing out on a blessing if they don't."

Kellie, who donned a bulletproof vest outside the compounds, said she wasn't scared during her time in the Middle East. "I know that sounds crazy, but I felt more safe over there with my military than I do here. The day before we flew back to the States, that horrible tragedy happened in the Nebraska mall where nine people were killed.

"I thought, 'Gosh, you're really not that safe anywhere.' I felt so protected over there. How can you not feel safe when you are surrounded by your military, and they've all got guns?"

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs....0501/802150411

agur3046 · 02-15-2008, 03:51 AM

That was the same feeling that a friend of mine had when she visited Israel. In Israel, one can feel safe there because nearly everyone is armed: soldiers (active and reservist) are everywhere plus the Police and militia (?).

When she came back, she asked in suprise, "Where are the guns?"

I'm glad Kellie felt safe over there and she is right in her sense of security. If anything happens, her safety is their mission.

fanofkellie · 02-15-2008, 09:28 AM

This was really a great experience for Kellie. Thanks for the post.