Throughout his time in country music, Toby Keith left his mark on the industry thanks to songs like “Should’ve Been a Cowboy”, “American Soldier”, and “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue.” Besides his time in the studio, any person who spent time with Keith instantly learned his love for the United States military. Always willing to share a photo with service members, the country singer performed for the USO numerous times. And one time, when performing in Afghanistan, Keith needed to seek shelter after a mortar attack paused his concert.
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Since founded in 1941, the United States Organizations (USO) worked alongside actors, singers, and comedians to bring live entertainment to service members around the world. Knowing the stress of being away from home, the organization supposedly helped serve over 35 million Americans throughout its history. And back in 2008, Keith traveled to Kandahar with the USO to help entertain the troops. Excited about the concert, the country singer quickly got a taste of what the military dealt with every day.
With over 2,500 people in attendance, Keith walked on stage, thrilled to entertain those who constantly put their lives on the line. While making his way through a few of his hit songs, including the “Taliban Song”, mortar rounds started to hit the area.
Toby Keith Never Stopped Loving America
As the crowd moved to a secure area during the attack, Keith kept spirits high, signing autographs and even taking a few pictures. After being in the shelter for about an hour, they were given the “All clear.” And while some might call it a night, Keith quickly returned to the stage to produce a performance they would all remember.
Never shying away from his love for America and the military, Keith sadly passed away back in February 2024 after battling stomach cancer. While only 62 years old at the time, the legacy of Keith will live forever as he produced memorable songs, performed 11 USO tours, and visited both Iraq and Afghanistan to help support troops fighting the war on terrorism.
While taking place back in 2008, fans never forgot about the moment and how Keith reacted as comments read, “I met toby keith during this tour while assigned to the command at Bagram. It was great to just talk to him… and hold the door open for him… LOL… such a great Man… Truly blessed to have met him and glad to have had this memory that I will never forget. Thank you TK.” One comment included, “This song wants to make me go out and get arrested for doing something too patriotic…”
(Photo by Mike Theiler/USO via Getty Images)
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