NASHVILLE, Tenn. (December 21, 2012)--Kellie Pickler is back home from her overseas trip, and she’s calling attention to those who won't be home for the holidays--the nation's troops stationed in the Middle East.

She just wrapped up a seven-day, four-country tour of the Middle East that included stops at Bargram Air Base and Kandahar Air Field in Afghanistan.

She also stopped to spend time with sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis.

Pickler said "it's always different" playing for the troops at holiday time because people want to be home with their families this time of year.

Joining Pickler on the USO tour were two members of the Washington Nationals baseball team, Ross Detwiler and Craig Stammen and Matt Hendricks of the Washington Capitals.