As tensions rise in the Middle East following U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, headlines have been dominated by politics, protest, and panic. But amidst the chaos, one story quietly reminds us of grit, courage, and the kind of American spirit you can’t fake.
Before his passing in February 2024, country legend Toby Keith survived more than a few brushes with danger. One of the most remarkable? The day his helicopter was shot at while flying between military bases in Iraq. His response? A classic Toby line:
“Would’ve been nice to give a cowboy a shotgun or something.”
A Warrior With a Guitar
During a 2023 interview with Bob Stoops, Keith finally spoke in detail about his 18 USO tours — and the more than 240 shows he performed for American troops across 17 countries. Though humble about the risks, Keith confirmed what fans had long suspected: he was shot at more than once while performing in combat zones.
“We came out of Mosul East and were headed to the West side,” Keith recalled. “I’m looking at the pilot like, ‘Why the hell are we flying sideways?’ Turns out, we were taking small arms fire.”
Once safely on the ground, Keith shrugged it off with that signature blend of cowboy grit and Oklahoma charm. No panic. No complaint. Just a quiet reminder of why he kept going back:
“You’re in the best hands. I trusted those guys with my life. The first few years, I just played the Green Zones. But as I got to know them, they asked if I wanted to go downrange. I said, ‘Hell yeah, let’s go.’”
A Legacy of Patriotism
Toby Keith wasn’t just the man behind “Courtesy of the Red, White & Blue (The Angry American)” — he was the man who lived it. That song, which became a battle cry after 9/11, was never intended for radio. He wrote it for the troops and played it live on tour before ever stepping into the studio.
But after hearing it, U.S. Marine Commandant Gen. James L. Jones told Keith bluntly:
“It’s your job to lift their morale. That’s how you serve. You have to record it.”
So he did. The song topped the charts, was certified 4x platinum, and lit a fire in the hearts of Americans. Sure, it sparked controversy — especially with the Dixie Chicks — but Toby didn’t flinch.
He wasn’t here for headlines. He was here for them.
Shot At and Still Singing
Unlike many celebrities, Keith downplayed the danger of his overseas shows. He didn’t want fear to keep other entertainers from visiting the troops.
“We don’t talk about it much. I don’t want to discourage anyone from going,” he told Stoops. “But yeah, small arms fire, RPGs… it happened.”
It didn’t stop him.
And now, with geopolitical tensions rising again in the region where Keith once flew under fire just to play for service members, his legacy shines brighter than ever.
More Than a Song
Toby Keith passed away on February 5, 2024, after a two-year battle with stomach cancer. But in many ways, he still hasn’t left.
He lives in every USO tent that still echoes with his songs.
He lives in every soldier who sang along to “The Angry American.”
He lives in every moment a cowboy stares down danger and smiles anyway.
As memes and tributes flood social media following this week’s Middle East developments, one thing’s clear: people haven’t forgotten Toby Keith. Not the jokes. Not the legacy. Not the man who once flew sideways through enemy fire — guitar in hand and patriotism in his heart.
Because for Toby Keith, service didn’t come with stars and stripes on a uniform.
It came with six strings, a shot of grit, and the unshakable will to show up — even when the bullets flew.
