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Aaron Tippin believes in fighting for — and supporting — a true cause.

Following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the country star returned to the studios, passionately crafting an anthem of patriotic resolve, "Where The Stars and Stripes and The Eagle Fly," his most successful crossover hit to date.

Years before, he had enjoyed the honor of being the first performer invited by Bob Hope to tour the Gulf Coast during the Gulf War for the USO. He continues to return overseas every Thanksgiving to entertain U.S. troops with the movement Stars and Stripes.

Among his philanthropic endeavors, Tippin serves as spokesperson for Paralyzed Veterans of America, the YMCA and Toys for Tots – all while maintaining an active touring schedule numbering 100 dates per year; operating his own private winery; and promoting his latest album, "In Overdrive," a heartfelt revival of rambling roads and trucking ballads.

On Friday, Tippin returns to Frederick for the first time since his 2007 concert for The Great Frederick Fair, where he played Three's Company with Lorie Morgan and Mark Chesnutt as part of the trio's Rockin' Roadhouse Tour. This year, the stage is the same – but the purpose is different, as the entertainer headlines The Middletown Volunteer Fire Company's First Annual Benefit Concert, joined by the likes of Confederate Railroad and Kentucky Headhunters.

Recently, Tippin spoke to The Gazette via telephone to talk about the upcoming concert and his new projects.

"In Overdrive" may be Tippin's tribute to semis, tractor-trailers and the open road, but it could also describe a day in the life of the singer some have called, "the hardest workin' man in country music."

You have a long history with supporting the troops, going back to your work with the USO. Your upcoming concert is a benefit for Middletown's volunteer fire department and the services they provide. Can you tell me what it means to you to support America's bravest, most selfless individuals?

"Well, shoot, I think you said it all. It's important to me to support all of [the people who help protect this country.] I'm just happy to have the opportunity to be a part of it."

Speaking of supporting the troops, you were one of the first entertainers welcomed by Bob Hope on a USO tour during the Gulf War. What was that – and what was he – like?

"That was one of the most rewarding times of my life, which led to a very special friendship that lasted 20 years. This Thanksgiving I'll be going back to Iraq, which will make nine times. It's an honor to see our troops – how highly professional they are and what a great job they're doing defending our liberties."

Your latest album, "In Overdrive," pays homage to an altogether different, but no less determined group of professionals: Truckers. What made this the right time for such a project?

"I think it's great to recognize these guys and gals. I mean, everything comes on the back of a truck. I play all of those old, great songs and enjoy them… Right now, it's a time where, if you're singing along with Aaron Tippin, you're singing along to a trucking song. That's what it is – one big sing-along."

I understand you are introducing a new line of nutritional supplements. What can you tell me about that, and how is it reflective of your personal lifestyle?

"It's something I get asked about all the time. People will come up to me in the autograph line and ask, ‘How do you say in shape?' So we thought, ‘Instead of telling them, why don't we show them?' All you have to do is go o AaronTippinNutrition.com and take the Aaron Tippin challenge."

What do you have lined up in the future?

‘Right now, my wife, Thea, and I are working on her pop and jazz album. She has that lined up at NIPPIT. She's a great jazz singer. Then we got – shoot, I don't know what's next. We'll just keep on rocking along."

Is there anything else you would like your Frederick County fans to know about your upcoming concert?

"Just tell them to wear their seatbelt, 'cuz it's going to be fun. We have fun with country music, and we're going to keep on having fun."

Aaron Tippin

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday

Where: Frederick Fairgrounds, 797 E. Patrick St., Frederick

Tickets: $45 for reserved track, $35 for reserved grandstand

For information:

301-371-6907

www.middletownvfd.org