Country Artists Who Have Served in the U.S. Military

Happy Veterans Day!  Thank you to all who have served for our freedom!  A lot of country stars have served in the military, here are few.  Salute them today.  And every Veteran!

Country music has a long tradition of supporting our troops, with country stars like Toby Keith, Kellie Pickler and Darryl Worley play overseas for the men and women stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan all the time.

Some of these country stars on this list may surprise you!

Here are a few of the most well known country artists who have served our country!

George Strait - George Strait's time in the military actually helped him launch his country career!  He played in an Army-sponsored band called Rambling Country.

George Jones - George Jones was a Marine who served during the Korean War.

Jamey Johnson - As a Corporal, Jamey Johnson served as a member of the U.S. Marine Corp Reserves before getting into country music.

Willie Nelson - Willie was in the U.S. Air Force for a short time after graduating high school.  He and Johnny Cash were stationed at the same base, but it's unknown if the two ever crossed paths.

James Otto - There's a long history of Otto men serving their country.  James Otto was in the U.S. Navy before chasing his country music dreams.

Johnny Cash - Rumor has it that when Soviet leader Joseph Stalin died, Johnny Cash was the first American soldier to hear about it. He was a Morse Code Intercept Operator in the Air Force.

Craig Morgan - Craig Morgan's service includes 10 years of active duty and 7 years with the Reserves.  He sings about serving and frequently tours overseas to play for men and women currently serving.

Kris Kristofferson - He served in the U.S. Army before leaving to write songs and sweep floors in Nashville bars and restaurants.  He was a Rhodes Scholar, an Army Captain, helicopter pilot and eventually became of the most requested songwriters in Music City.

Josh Gracin - While serving his country, he auditioned for reality show, ‘American Idol’ and made it to the finals after he finished his service.

THANK YOU TO ALL THE VETERANS!

Information gathered from Taste of Country.