These 11 Country Stars Served Their Country in the Military

There are country singers who tell stories about being in the military and then there are country singers who tell their stories. Here are nine stars who served.

Country music has a longstanding tradition of supporting the troops, with stars including Toby Keith, Kellie Pickler and Darryl Worley taking frequent trips overseas to play for the men and women stationed in Iraq and elsewhere.

Of course, before the Gulf Wars, country musicians were quick to join the USO to play for troops stationed just about anywhere. While only a minority of Nashville's best served in the military, more than a few on this list may surprise you.

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It's a tradition that hasn't died with the older generation. Modern singers like Zach Bryan and Michael Trotter Jr (War + Treaty) turned to music after serving America. Trotter has been honest about his eight years in the Army and how he's still affected.

Music and a good wife have literally saved his life.

Still, the transition from active duty to country singer was more common a half-century ago than it is today. Very few of today's top singers were members of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines or Coast Guard.

However, classic country playlists are filled with military talent. We've chosen 11 of the most well-known stars of today for this list of country artists who've served their country.