Talented Troops perform at MWR Talent Show

Courtesy Photo | Musicians join in an informal jam session after the MWR Talent Show Nov. 18. On the drums is Spc. Clarence Reeves, 3-13th Field Artillery Regiment, from Clarksville, Tenn.  

11.28.2005

Courtesy Story

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SGT RACHEL BRUNE
101ST SUSTAINMENT BDE

Once again, Q-West Base Complex marched to the beat of its own drummers, as well as singers, keyboardists and guitar players, during the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Talent Show Nov. 18 here.

Spc. Corey Franks, Bravo Company, 1-10th Aviation Regiment, who won second place in the October Talent Show, came in first for his acapella rendition of Brian McKnight's "One Last Cry."

Second place went to Pvt. (2) Michael Tilley, 505th Engineer Company carpenter/mason. The Mt. Airy, N.C., Soldier played a drum solo.

"I just made this up an hour and a half ago," said Tilley before beginning.

Deciding the winner was so difficult, Jerry Yonko, MWR supervisor and master of ceremonies, had the two Soldiers give an encore so the audience could vote again.

Last month's talent show winner, vocalist Sgt. Octavia Nickle, 818th Maintenance Company stock control sergeant, from Stafford, Va., contributed a version of the Dixie Chicks" "Fly." The 818th, an Army Reserve unit from Fort Meade, Md., served a 12-month tour in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II.

Nickle's fame was spreading, even as she prepared to redeploy to the United States. In the second row, an audience member said: "I've heard she can belt!"

Singer/songwriter Spc. Darrell Allen, Company E, 1-10th Aviation Regiment water treatment specialist, contributed an original composition.

"I wrote the song for everyone " every Soldier and what they stand for," said Allen, from Garden City, Mich. He explained the song was for the spouses and families back home, and what they go through while their loved ones are deployed.

"Terrorism will fall, freedom will ring," sang Allen on the chorus. "Then I will be back home to you/I'll ease your pain."

Spc. Clarence Reeves, a 3-13th Field Artillery Regiment administration specialist from Clarksville, Tenn., accompanied Allen on the drums, then took the microphone to sing John Michael Montgomery's "I Swear."

After the final applause, much of the crowd dispersed. A few audience members remained as several of the performers took the stage for an informal jam session.

Talented troops will have two upcoming opportunities to show their skills. MWR is sponsoring a "Christmas Parade." Units are invited to decorate any non-tactical vehicle, including Polaris and Gator vehicles, for the parade.

The Q-West Drama Club is seeking actors and crew for its new production, "No Ghost of a Chance."

For more information on these programs, contact Jerry Yonko or Susan "Su-Z" Cothern at MWR.

• Date Taken: 11.28.2005
• Date Posted: 11.28.2005 15:19
• Story ID: 3891