Soldier Show boosts morale at Bagram Air Field

Photo By Staff Sgt. Ariel Solomon | Spc. Abighail Mary, a native of Pembroke Pines, Fla., who is a unit supply specialist at Camp Humphreys, Korea, sings an emotionally charged song during the Soldier Show at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, Oct. 22, 2014. This performance was the first time in its 30-year history that the Soldier Show was performed in a combat zone. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Ariel J. Solomon)  

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AFGHANISTAN

10.22.2014

Story by Spc. Ariel Solomon 

U.S. Forces Afghanistan

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – Lights flashed and changed color to set the mood as uniformed Army dancers crossed the stage to the beat of music during the Soldier Show on Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, the night of Oct. 22, 2014.

This performance marked the first time in the Soldier Show's 30-year history that they have preformed overseas to deployed Soldiers.

Each dance routine and song of the Soldier Show had a two-fold mission: to build morale, and convey unity, brotherhood and Army pride. The cast came from all over the active Army, National Guard and Reserves.

"Our motto is ‘For the Soldiers, by the Soldiers,’" said Sgt. 1st Class Frederick McDuffy, a native of Jonesboro, Arkansas, and noncommissioned officer in charge of the U.S. Army's Soldier Show. "So when they come in from a mission, it gives them some entertainment produced by Soldiers for them. It's not some paid performer, it's their own fellow Soldiers in the same Army going through the same struggles they go through, performing and delivering the Army message."

The two-hour performance captivated the audience as the Soldier Show spread messages of hope, brotherhood, service and sacrifice. Many of the Soldiers said it helped them cope with the stresses of being deployed.

"It was a very needed morale boost," said 1st Lt. Terrance Douglas, a native of Gaffney, South Carolina, and member of the Supply and Transportation Troop, Regimental Support Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment. He said the show exceeded his expectations. It was clear that these talented Soldiers had worked hard, and he appreciated how well it took his mind off being in Afghanistan.

"I especially like 'Still I Rise,’" said cast member Spc. Enjolee Williams, a native of New Orleans and member of Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 149th Aviation Regiment, Texas National Guard. "It's a song following the suicide prevention scene, because suicide prevention is near and dear to my heart. I had a friend in that situation and I had to be there for that friend. It's unreal watching someone go through that. I received the role of the suicidal person, and then sang the song; it was very heavy. At first it was hard because I would cry while singing. It's definitely my favorite."

The performers aren't just ordinary people off of the street. First, they are Soldiers who must go through a rigorous selection process. The hopefuls must complete an online application and fill out a packet sent to them from the show's staff. The staff reviews each applicant’s completed packet, as well as an attached audition video, and then make selections for a live audition at Fort Sam Houston.

"They assess you all around," said Williams. “They assess both your abilities as a Soldier and your talents. They want to see if you're a good fit for Army entertainment."

If they make the cut, the Soldiers stay at Fort Sam Houston and begin their eight and-a-half week training period, said McDuffy. He explained that during those weeks they commit to a 16-17 hour training day. This is also time for them to develop the scenes and dances for the show.

In 30 years of performing, the Soldier Show hasn't visited a combat zone until now. McDuffy explained that his biggest challenge in bringing the show to the Soldiers in Afghanistan was the logistics.

"We have a big stage we build. In total it's about 80 tons of equipment we couldn't logistically get over here," said McDuffy. "That was our biggest challenge…We didn't have all the backdrops, lighting, all the visual effects and costume changes that we have back in the United States, but we used what we had and put on the best show possible."

Many of the Soldiers expressed their appreciation after the show, lining up to shake hands with the cast in front of the stage. Williams explained that the audience members will usually show a lot of gratitude, often standing silent and tearful as they give firm handshakes.

"It definitely makes me feel more at home,” said Spc. Derick Wilson, a native of Augusta, Georgia, and member of the 51st Medical Logistics Company, who had seen the show previously. “Back in Fort Gordon, you don't really think about the show. Now, being here years later, it's a whole different experience. I'm really glad they could come out here and do this for us, and I'm sure I'm not the only one that feels that way."

• Date Taken: 10.22.2014
• Date Posted: 10.26.2014 10:20
• Story ID: 146076
• Location: BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF
• Hometown: AUGUSTA, GEORGIA, US
• Hometown: GAFFNEY, SOUTH CAROLINA, US
• Hometown: HOUSTON, TEXAS, US
• Hometown: JONESBORO, ARKANSAS, US
• Hometown: MONTICELLO, INDIANA, US
• Hometown: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA, US
• Hometown: PEMBROKE PINES, FLORIDA, US
• Hometown: TULSA, OKLAHOMA, US