Country Artists Who Have Served: Josh Gracin

Josh Gracin's transition from Marine to country singer was difficult on him. While serving his country, he auditioned for 'American Idol' and sang his way into the finals after he finished his service. However, it was at that time the U.S. invaded Iraq.

"I was staying up until four or five in the morning just watching the news and trying to keep track of how the Marines were doing over there," he tells CMT. "I felt guilty because I was singing on this show, and there were fellow Marines over there in foxholes."

The Michigan native joined the Marines after one year at Western Michigan University. He married shortly after enlisting and was stationed at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, Calif.