Fort Campbell Soldier performs in U.S. Army Soldier Show at Fort Bliss

Written by Staff Sgt. Marshall Mason
24th Press Camp Headquarters

Fort Bliss, TX – The dazzling lights and live Broadway-style variety performances of the 2015 U.S. Army Soldier Show took center stage at the Stayton Theater here August 28th-29th, where nearly 400 Soldiers, civilians and family members watched as Army performers sang and danced on-stage to classic pop, hip-hop and contemporary music medleys.

The 2015 Soldier Show theme – “We serve” integrates key Army messaging on Sexual Harassment Assault Response and Prevention, Suicide Prevention, and various products by the Center for the Army Profession and Ethic.

While the modern version of the U.S. Army Soldier Show has been in existence since 1983 as an outgrowth of several shows existing in various Army commands, with Soldier talent selected from worldwide competition, the theme of entertainment for the Soldier, by the Soldier has not been lost, according to Spc. Tony L. Brown, social media liaison.

“As Soldiers we perform with a perspective unique to Soldiers,” said Brown. “The messages we are trying to impart are powerful and hopefully they can help inspire our Army communities.”

Brown said, performers in the Soldier Show are selected annually throughout the performance season. Soldiers interested in joining the Soldier Show must pass a video audition just to earn a chance for another week long series of auditions in Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

According to Tiffany G. Hunter, talent recruiter, U.S. Army Entertainment, even if Soldiers pass the week long auditions, it is only after receiving a letter of release from their current units are the Soldiers eligible to join the show.

“Having talent and passing all the auditions is just the beginning,” said. “The individual units ultimately have the final say.”

For the first time ever, the Soldier Show held two live auditions here on Fort Bliss, said Hunter. “We wanted to try something new and I really believed it worked out well.”

Sgt. Cacey R. Marasco, chaplain assistant, 1-120th, 30th Infantry Division, North Carolina National Guard and Spc. Ebony N. Johnson, automated logistical specialist, Bravo 143, 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, showcased their singing talents during the show and both received enormous support from the audience.

To perform in a show of this magnitude is simply a dream come true for many of the performers, said Brown.

For Spc. Princess D. Threatt, a native of Atlanta, Georgia, currently stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, performing in the Soldier Show fulfills a lifelong dream.

“I have been singing since I was four-years-old,” said Threatt. “Never could I have imagined living out my dream and serving my country at the same time.”

For more information on the 2015 U.S. Army Soldier Show please visit www.armymwr.com