Introduction
Trace Adkins: Honoring Veterans Through “Guitar Legends for Heroes”
Country superstar Trace Adkins has long been a passionate advocate for U.S. military veterans, channeling his fame and influence into meaningful support. Alongside his role as a celebrated singer, actor, and songwriter, Adkins has made veteran advocacy a hallmark of his career—serving as a spokesperson for the Wounded Warrior Project, participating in numerous USO tours, and dedicating countless performances to military-related causes
One standout moment in this ongoing commitment was the benefit concert “Guitar Legends for Heroes,” co-hosted by Adkins and music personality Eddie Trunk, and discussed on Megyn Kelly TODAY. The event took place on November 29, 2017, at Terminal 5 in New York City, produced by America Salutes You and Wall Street Rocks. Its mission: to pay tribute to military personnel and raise funds for veterans’ charities
Hosted by Adkins and Trunk, the concert featured a powerhouse lineup of guitar legends across genres—including Richie Sambora and Orianthi, Dave Navarro, Billy Gibbons, Nancy Wilson, Sam Moore, Lindsay Ell, Robert Randolph, and Rascal Flatts’ Joe Don Rooney. The show blended rock, blues, country, and soul in an emotional celebration of service, unity, and musical solidarity. One memorable highlight involved a collaborative rendition of The Allman Brothers’ “One Way Out,” with many performers joining for a communal finale
Proceeds from ticket sales were directed toward high-impact veterans’ charities such as Headstrong, Psych Armor, The Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Hope For The Warriors, Warrior Canine Connection, and Operation Finally Home . As part of this commitment, Adkins highlighted on Megyn Kelly TODAY that his ongoing dedication stemmed from his extensive involvement with the Wounded Warrior Project and multiple USO tours over the past 15 years
The event was recorded and later broadcast on major television outlets—including Tribune Broadcasting, Sinclair, Hearst, Graham Media, and Gray Television—bringing the message of gratitude to a nationwide audience on December 23, 2017 . In 2018, an extended version aired on AXS TV, further amplifying the impact and reach of the concert
On Megyn Kelly TODAY, Adkins reflected emotionally on the occasion and what it meant to him personally. He described his support for veterans as deeply heartfelt, saying, “I do it for them because they do so much,” and that his work with the USO had been “the most rewarding experience of my life … so I just kept doing it” His current single at the time, Still A Soldier, mirrored this commitment—titled and performed as a tribute to the ongoing struggles and silent battles faced by service members after returning home
Beyond its entertainment value, “Guitar Legends for Heroes” stands as a testament to music’s ability to unite communities for a noble cause. It underscores Adkins’s dual roles: not just as an artist, but as a tireless advocate using his platform to raise both awareness and funds for veterans in need. His ongoing efforts go beyond publicity—grounded in years of service, collaboration with charities, and genuine empathy for those who have served.
In sum, the concert—and Adkins’s appearance on Megyn Kelly TODAY—strikes a compelling chord: it’s about gratitude, community, and a heartfelt musical thank-you to America’s heroes