As a Persian Gulf War veteran, country singer and songwriter Chris Gray knows firsthand how important it is for soldiers to escape their daily routines and enjoy a little piece of home. Scheduled for his second Armed Forces Entertainment tour, Gray will perform for troops in Bahrain, Djibouti, Iraq, Qatar and Kuwait April 10 ñ May 4.

ìNot only does Chris do a great job performing for the troops,î said Capt. Jesse Davidson, U. S. Marine Corps. circuit manager for Southwest Asia. ìBut as a veteran, he can also relate to what they are going through.î

Gray, originally from Folsom, La., joined the U.S. Navy in 1989 and quickly became a major form of entertainment for the men and women stationed with him.

ìI used to sit outside my barracks and pick my old guitar to pass the time,î said Gray. ìBefore long, people started gathering around to listen and sing along. I realized then, what I was meant to do with my life.î

While serving aboard the U.S.S. Missouri, Gray and his band, Steel Beach, helped keep the morale of 1,500 sailors high during the quiet times of war.

ìItís an honor and privilege to perform for our deployed soldiers,î said Gray. ìOur soldiers put their lives on the line day after day and I want to do what I can to bring them a little joy, laughter and entertainment.î

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Armed Forces Entertainment is the lead Department of Defense agency for providing entertainment to U.S. military personnel serving overseas, with priority given to those in contingency operations and at remote and isolated locations. The Department of the Air Force is the executive agent of Armed Forces Entertainment.

Founded in 1951, Armed Forces Entertainment brings a touch of home to more than 500,000 troops annually, embracing the best of Americana that stretches across all genres of entertainment. Visit www.armedforcesentertainment.com for more information.

To learn more about Chris Gray, visit www.ChrisGray.com