Kellie Pickler spent Christmas in Afghanistan performing for U.S. troops stationed there as part of the USO Tour. The men and women at Kandahar Airfield no doubt welcomed the visit, the songs and the laughter the former American Idol contestant and Dancing With the Stars winner shared.

Prior to her Christmas show, Kellie Pickler posed for photos with the men and women at Kandahar Airfield. She visited wounded and sick troops. She saw where the military dogs were trained. And she spoke passionately about the war effort in Afghanistan.

“If I were an Afghan woman, I would hope someone would help me provide a better life for me and my children,” she said.

The country music sweetheart enjoyed some exciting new experiences while visiting Afghanistan, too. She fired a howitzer and she traveled around in Black Hawks and Chinooks, taking in the sights of Afghanistan below.

Kellie left everyone feeling warm during her 9-day visit and she even left a few of the men smitten. By Christmas Day, however, they all knew who Kellie Pickler was and what she does best–sing country music.

“There’s no place I’d rather spend Christmas,” she told them when she finally took the stage.

Kellie Pickler may have been in Afghanistan to serve the troops, but she was also mindful of what she took away from her time there. She shared some information and a photo with her followers via Twitter.

Not every Christmas do you get 2 fist bump a soldier while hanging your feet off the back of a Chinook in Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/nBwNPMnOf7

— kellie pickler (@kelliepickler) December 26, 2013

Kudos to Kellie Pickler for spending Christmas Day in Afghanistan. This young singer has the means to have spent Christmas Day anywhere in the world, being waited on hand and foot or entertaining her family members and friends lavishly. Instead she gave of herself to those who deserve some extra Christmas cheer. This was Kellie’s seventh USO tour. She serves as a fine example for performers all over the U.S.

Image via Facebook