Ironhorse Idol competition brings out unseen talent in MND-B Soldiers

Courtesy Photo | The judges for Ironhorse Idol watch and react to the performances of Multi-National...... read more read more

Courtesy Photo | The judges for Ironhorse Idol watch and react to the performances of Multi-National Division - Baghdad Soldiers at the Ironhorse Sports Oasis Dining Facility on May 30. Soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division sang and danced their way to become the next Ironhorse Idol. (U.S. Army photo/Spc. Aaron Rosencrans)  see less | View Image Page

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

05.31.2008

Courtesy Story

Multi-National Division Baghdad

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By Spc. Aaron Rosencrans
Multi-National Division - Baghdad

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq — "American Idol" is the hit TV show where people from all over the United States showcase their singing abilities in a competition for fame and to be known as The American Idol. Although far from Hollywood, Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers had their own shot at the big time.

Such was the setting when the Soldiers of the 4th Infantry Division hit the stage as Multi-National Division – Baghdad kicked off its inaugural Ironhorse Idol competition at the Ironhorse Sports Oasis Dining Facility on May 30.

The competitors belted out their tunes, as the 4th Infantry Division Rock Band provided accompaniment, in an effort to win the hearts and votes of the audience.

Although Ryan Seacrest was nowhere to be found, the show was humorously hosted by Lt. Col. Dale Buckner, a native of Rochester, N.Y., who serves as the commander of the Division Special Troops Battalion, 4th Inf. Div., who was equally entertaining and even kicked off the show with a little of his own "old-school flavor."

The evening's champion was Sgt. 1st Class Atir Wise, a native of Killeen, Texas, who serves as a division language manager with Company B, Special Troops Battalion, 4th Inf. Div., who sang Christina Aguilera's "Beautiful," who said she had no expectations on winning the competition.

"There were some people who could really sing, so I didn't think I could beat them," she said. "For me, this was just a morale booster because I like to sing."

For Wise, the song choice was an easy one for her because of the meaning behind the lyrics.

"There's a stigma with being a female in the military," she said. "It's as if we're all expected to not be feminine nor know how to act like a lady. Regardless of what anybody says, we are all beautiful in our own way, and I think the song is an inspiration to other female Soldiers."

Among the other performers, one stood out as more of the William Hung-like contestant.

Staff Sgt. Keslet Cineas, a native of Miami, who serves as the driver for the commanding general of the 4th Inf. Div and MND-B, dressed up as Michael Jackson and gave his best rendition of "Billie Jean," with the Moonwalk, gloves and all.

For Cineas, it wasn't about winning or being the best, the whole reason he did it was to give people a laugh and lighten the mood.

"It's all about fun here," he said. "I wanted to put a smile on everyone's face and just have fun with the event. We've been out here for six months now, so this was a perfect way to break up the time."

Band members enjoyed the experience because it changed up their normal routine.

"It was interesting because you never know what you're going to get with each new performer," said Staff Sgt. Sean Kerley, a native of Williamsburg, Va., who serves as a bassist with the 4th Inf. Div. Band. "After all the work we put into this show, it really felt good to see it go so well but now it's time to get the show back out on the road and get back to what we normally do."

Soldiers in the crowd seemed to have as much fun as the performers on stage and thought the event was a great way to break up the routines of their deployment.

It helps break up the monotony of the everyday grind we go through," said 1st Lt. Stephanie Davison, a native of Massillon, Ohio, who serves as the deputy secretary general, with the secretary general staff section, 4th Inf. Div. "This gives us something to look forward to, which makes the week go by really fast."

2nd Lt. Lindsey Duerst agreed with Davison and said events like Ironhorse Idol help break up the time in Iraq and help Soldiers forget about where they are for a little bit.

"We have so little to do out here as compared to what we have back in the United States," said the platoon leader who serves with Headquarters Support Company, STB, 4th Inf. Div. "These events are like bringing a piece of home into theater for a night."