The winner of Camp Humphreys Operation Rising Star 2015

Photo By Chung Il Kim | Capt. Cydnia Jackson, a senior human resource advisor for the 3rd General Support Aviation Battalion, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, coaches her newly enlisted Soldier step-by-step at the 3-2 GSAB office.  

PYEONGTAEK, 41, SOUTH KOREA

09.30.2015

Story by Chung Il Kim 

2nd Combat Aviation Brigade

PYEONGTAEK, South Korea - On a stage at the Camp Humphrey’s Community Activity Center, a woman with a shining dress walked to the front. All of the lights went out except one that shined on her. As the music from the song, “Natural Woman,” by Aretha Franklin began, she let her body feel the rhythm as she swayed side to side. When she opened her mouth and hit the first note, the audience started clapping and screamed with joy.

The singer was Capt. Cydnia Jackson, a senior human resource advisor for the 3rd General Support Aviation Battalion, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division. She was the winner of the Camp Humphreys Operation Rising Star 2015.

Operation Rising Star is an individual vocal competition that helps demonstrate the Army’s commitment to high-quality programs that support readiness and resilience. Operation Rising Star is part of the Installation Management Command’s Army Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation’s (MWR) Army Entertainment Division. Now in its 11th year, Operation Rising Star is a productive platform where the Army’s best vocal performers exemplify part of what it means to be a Soldier for life.

“At first, I was reluctant to participate,” said Jackson. “However, my friends and family members strongly encouraged me to sing.”

Despite her humbleness, singing has always been a big part of her life. Her mother was a background singer for a gospel artist and her dad was a radio personality for 20 years. Jackson started singing when she was 4 years old in her Church choir.

Even today, she is always honing her singing skills. She has voluntarily worked as a minister of music at the New Beginnings Christian Serviceman Center outside of Camp Humphreys since April. Every Thursday night, her choir practices for hours upon hours.

“Singing gives an outlet for my emotion,” said Jackson. “I’m responsible for overseeing day to day personnel activities and the work can sometimes be a stress.”

According to Jackson, singing out the emotion whether that is sadness or happiness is a great way to double the happiness and relieve the stress.

“I sing more when I’m happier and I break up the stress by singing,” Jackson said.

For Jackson, singing is another mean for personal development.

“By putting myself out there on the stage despite the fear, I stepped outside of my comfort zone,” she said. “Soldiers should pursue their goals whether that is a sport, music or academics.”

She hopes that her winning the Operation Rising Star could be an inspiration to her subordinate Soldiers.

“I want to tell my Soldiers that you don’t have to work, work, work, but to also follow your dreams.”

• Date Taken: 09.30.2015
• Date Posted: 09.29.2015 21:43
• Story ID: 177543
• Location: PYEONGTAEK, 41, KR