Courtesy Photo | Spc. Maurice Roberson, of Durham N.C., with 44th Chemical Company, 2nd Chemical...... read more read more
FORT HOOD, Texas – All alone on a stage, under bright lights, one by one they faced the crowd and judges. These were the contestants during round one of Operation Rising Star 2014 held at the Phantom Warrior Center Oct. 17.
“This is a singing contest involving Soldiers and members of the community who come out to showcase their talent,” said Spc. Maurice Roberson, of Durham N. C., with 44th Chemical Company, 2nd Chemical Battalion.
In this part of the competition, the performers offered a cappella renditions of songs to the judges, said Roberson, who had a unique perspective on how he was going to reach the audience.
“Every time I sing, my goal is to touch at least one person,” said Roberson. “If I know I’ve done that, then I’m satisfied.”
In addition to enjoying themselves, many Soldiers see this as an opportunity to bring unity.
“This is the most fun I have ever had at a military function,” said Sgt. Kelvin Meyer, of Indiana, a behavior health technician at Carl. R. Darnall Medical Center. “It’s an individual competition but it really brings people together, units come together and it’s something everyone can support.”
For many of the competitors, this is an opportunity to show the world another piece of themselves.
“I’ve always enjoyed singing,” said Spc. Kendra Coil, of Corona, Calif., a chaplain’s assistance with U. S. Army Garrison. “It’s always been a passion and this is an opportunity to do something outside of what I do for the military.”
The competition isn’t over yet, however. The final round is scheduled for Friday night at 7p.m.
Although some may not make it, they still hope to inspire others to follow their dreams.
“If you think there is something you want to do, the hardest thing is trying,” said Coil. “But if you don’t try then you automatically fail.”
| Date Taken: | 10.20.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 10.21.2014 12:32 |
| Story ID: | 145643 |
| Location: | FORT HOOD, TX, US |
| Hometown: | CORONA, CA, US |
| Hometown: | DURHAM, NC, US |
| Web Views: | 78 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Soldiers strive for dreams at Op Rising Star, by SGT Juana Nesbitt, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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