Toby Keith Celebrates a Decade of USO Tours
Toby Keith is known for being a seriously patriotic country star — maybe even the most patriotic one in the bunch. After all, some of his top hits have had names like ‘Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue,’ ‘American Soldier’ and ‘Made in America.’ No, Toby Keith has never been shy about his love for America — nor his support for our troops. In fact, he’s in the midst of celebrating 10 years of giving back by playing for soldiers in the Middle East on his USO tours.
Keith’s 2012 USO tour will be a 12-day gig that reaches five countries in the Middle East. He will perform for the troops and their families and visit remote forward operating bases to cheer up the men and women who serve in rarely-visited places.
“I can’t believe it has already been a decade, it feels like just yesterday when I first started working with the USO,” Keith told GACTV. “I’ve met so many great, brave service men and women over the years and had so many wonderful experiences, that I can barely remember them all. One thing is for sure, I enjoy working with the USO, I love our nation’s troops, and I won’t ever stop doing my part to extend my thanks.”
Apparently, this is a mutual admiration agreement. USO President Sloan Gibson had high praises for the patriotic country singer — something which is to be expected.
“He has such a genuine interest in enhancing the lives of our nation’s troops and is truly among our biggest and most recognized supporters,” Gibson said. “We can’t thank him enough for all of the support he has shown us over the last decade and we look forward to many more years together.”
Of course, Keith doesn’t just support the troops through his overseas tours. When it comes to America’s men and women in the armed forces, the ‘American Soldier’ singer really puts his money where his mouth is. In 2007, he started the USO2GO program, which collects and sends electronics, entertainment, non-perishable food and personal care items to troops stationed at remote bases. Also, his restaurant chain serves up free burgers and drinks to soldiers just returning the the States. Keith even frequents wounded warrior hospitals to pay his respects.
After spending 12 days overseas, Keith will return stateside and embark on his summer tour, which begins in June.