SUMTER, S.C. —  Charlie Daniels (search) says he was too young to serve his country in World War II or Korea. So instead, the country music artist chooses to give back to America by playing free concerts for soldiers here and overseas.

"I'm a big supporter of the military," Daniels said. "I can't carry a rifle, but I can carry a guitar and a fiddle."

Daniels was at Shaw Air Force Base (search) on Tuesday, entertaining the troops in an airplane hanger.

The 68-year-old singer is fresh off a tour of Iraq. He won't forget the experience or the Iraqis that are welcoming Americans with open arms.

"It was an eye-opening, life-changing experience," Daniels said.

The concert was sponsored by The Spirit of America Foundation, a nonprofit organization that brings entertainers to bases in the United States.

A spokeswoman for the foundation, Cathy Gurley, said it works with a variety of artists from Daniels to Billy Ray Cyrus to Patty Loveless.