The way that I am now, I don't want to accept mediocrity. I don't want to accept the easy road.

I think it is a huge honor to get to go play for the troops who have been working their tails off for several years, some with several tours under their belt.

For me, I wanted somebody that got me musically, that understood that I'm an artist and this is who I am. I'm not going to be like another artist on your label, probably - hopefully. I found all those things with the Broken Bow group.

The biggest question I have is if you're a rock singer or a rock 'n' roll band, or if you're a pop singer if you've made your way in another genre of music and now you want to make a country record, why? That's my question. Why?

The overall physical demand that Iraq has is pretty amazing. It's 130 degrees, and the soldiers are carrying about 100 pounds of extra gear. It's a pretty rigorous schedule and routine for them.

The Lord has blessed me more than I deserve.

I enjoy my life very much.