Brad Paisley Performs Special Concert At Fort Campbell, Kentucky

Nashville, TN. (Top40 Charts/ Arista Records) - Brad Paisley took an unannounced detour from his Hershey's Presents Bonfires & Amplifiers Tour last night, bringing his band and tour mates Kellie Pickler and Taylor Swift to Fort Campbell, Kentucky-home of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)-to entertain an estimated crowd of 35-thousand+ soldiers and family members stationed at the base. Paisley staged the concert as a show of appreciation for the on-going efforts of these military personnel (and others stationed elsewhere), as well as for the sacrifices made by their families and loved ones.

'This is the most important concert I will play all year,' said Paisley during his set. 'We wanted to bring a little party to you before your next deployment.'

In appreciation for his efforts, Paisley was presented with a special plaque commemorating the event. The framed piece bares an inscription noting that it is from the soldiers and families of Fort Campbell…and it features a panoramic photo of the commanding general of Fort Campbell and all onsite soldiers-the Division Review, which occurs every two years-taken in May on the very site of Monday's concert.
The plaque is signed by the commanding general, Major General Jeffrey J. Schloesser, and also includes a couple of his coins-rare, specially minted pieces that the officer can give to someone as a show of appreciation for 'acts of exceptional service, achievement or special recognition of a job well done, or for unique contributions towards the accomplishment of the Army's mission.' Their significance in military culture is substantial-they are usually reserved for presentation to Army or Defense Department personnel as a personal acknowledgment by the general.