GAC Specials

Episode GCTAB-101SP

Trace Adkins: X (Ten) Days

GAC cameras take viewers on an exclusive look as Trace Adkins traveled overseas to Iraq and Afghanistan on a mission that warmed the hearts of United States military personnel who sacrifice every day for their country. In honor of the tremendous sacrifice the troops make for freedom, Adkins made it clear from the beginning his visit overseas would be "fully-loaded." "I didn't want to go over there with just an acoustic guitar, I wanted to give them the same thing people hear at my shows in the United States," said Adkins. With 53,000 pounds of equipment, 30 crew members and an unprecedented mission, Adkins sought to make his time with the soldiers well-spent, and judging from the crowd's reception, his effort was nothing less than a success.

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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."

Adkins and his fellow travelers learned more 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. But Adkins recounts that there was one special moment that made the entire trip worthwhile. 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.

Back in Nashville, Trace reminisced, "We set out to entertain and give them a chance to have some fun and that's the best way to end it. Mission accomplished."