'Buehring Idol' is sweet success for one 112 MP

Courtesy Photo | Pvt. Marshall Cates, a Military Police soldier with 3rd Platoon, 268th Military Police Company o Ripley, Tenn., entertains the audience and impresses the judges onstage during the Beuhring Idol competition held at Camp Beuhring, Kuwait on Oct. 25. Cates won the contest.  

CAMP BUEHRING, KUWAIT

10.25.2011

Courtesy Story

1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 34th Red Bull Infantry Division

CAMP BEUHRING, Kuwait - For Pvt. Marshall Cates, a Military Police soldier in 3rd Platoon, 268th Military Police Company, duty at Camp Beuhring can be a serious and stressful job. But after the work is done, participating in recreational activities can be a relaxing – and rewarding- way to spend off-duty time.

Cates experienced this first-hand, competing in and winning the Beuhring Idol competition, sponsored by Camp Beuhring, Kuwait Morale, Recreation and Welfare on Oct. 25.

Cates competed against approximately 30 other contestants in this talent completion, based on the popular “American Idol’ television program. A panel of judges selected Cates as a ‘Top Five’ finalist, and he performed the song ‘Higher” by Creed, winning the contest and a $60 Post Exchange gift card.

Cates is no stranger to performing on stage. He has showcased his talents in school, church, and as a member of a band in his hometown of Covington, Tenn., playing some of the popular entertainment venues on famous ‘Beale Street’ in Memphis, Tenn.

Just prior to his unit’s deployment, Cates and his band mates won a ‘Battle of the Bands’ contest in Memphis, resulting in an offer to record at Sun Studio, which is known for launching the careers of Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash and Elvis. Cates’ commitment to the National Guard prevented pursuing the chance to record, but he said that being in the National Guard has not prevented his musical ambitions.

“The weekend my band played in the Battle of the Bands, my platoon leader let me split – train so I could be in the contest."
Cates’ talents are also well known among the soldiers in 3rd Platoon. Spc. Carolyn Hagen, a Military Police soldier in 3rd Platoon said that Cates’ abilities to sing and play the guitar provided stress relief and a way for the whole platoon to unwind during pre mobilization training. “Pvt. Cates writes his own songs, and they were always funny, relaxing,” said Hagen.

Cates’ fellow Military Police, including Hagen, offered support and encouragement during the competition, maintaining confidence in Cates’ talents. He was “Awesome; he had some good competition, some made us nervous, but we know he was going to win,” said Hagen.

“It came down to one other competitor, who sang ‘Hotel California’ and was really, really good." When Cates won, we were ecstatic, we wanted to run on stage,” continued Hagen.

Cates’ musical talent goes beyond simple entertainment for his friends. Sgt. 1st Class Grant Montgomery, Platoon sergeant, 3rd Platoon 268th Military Police Company, said that Cates’ willingness to share his musical abilities enhanced the morale and teamwork of the platoon and “picked us up” during the challenging times at the beginning of a deployment. Cates performance and the support of his fellow soldiers “shows we can do our job, and at the same time we can relax and make the best of our time here” at Camp Beuhring.

Cates plans to continue showcasing his talents while here at Camp Beuhring. “I’m going to ask my mom to send my guitar” to be ready for the next chance to display his vocal and musical talent.

• Date Taken: 10.25.2011
• Date Posted: 11.14.2011 07:19
• Story ID: 80003
• Location: CAMP BUEHRING, KW