FORT RILEY, Kan. - The Soldier Show stopped by Fort Riley Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 to give Families and Soldiers two nights of high-energy singing and dancing at McCain Auditorium at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan.
The show, which is made up of more than 25 Soldiers, has already preformed in Europe and is traveling to Army posts in Korea next.
One of Fort Riley's own, Spc. Joeneyce Cunningham, Company B, 101stA,A Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, is traveling with the show this year as one of the performers.
"I got a booklet from last year's Soldier Show and said, 'why not' It's a once in a lifetime opportunity'," she said.
Cunningham has been singing at her church and performing in talent shows since she was 6 years old, she said.
"The Solider Show is such a morale booster. It's an opportunity to take people's minds off their deployed spouse," she said.
Cunningham rehearses from 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. most nights before a big show and said it's a lot of physical training but fun at the same time.
"I was frustrated learning the whole routine at first, and it still frustrates me if I get something wrong during the show, but it's a lovely experience," she said.
Her mother traveled from Miami, Florida, along with some of her church friends to cheer her on during the two shows in Kansas.
"It's liberating to perform in front of the crowd, and it really boosts morale, and I love representing my unit," she said.
Her favorite part during the show is the gospel singing and she is always overwhelmed after the show when people come up to thank her for the performance, she said.
"It's overwhelming to see people coming through the lines thanking us when we are the ones who are thanking them for their support and their sacrifice," she said.
As for her cast mates, she said they have become a Family on the road and her leaders and Family at home have been very supportive.
After the grand finale where the Soldiers sang an original song composed by the group, Col. Kevin Brown, garrison commander, presented the Soldiers with a framed poster representing the "Big Red One." The Soldiers presented Brown with a plaque in appreciation for hosting the show and performers at Fort Riley.
Justin Black, winner of Fort Riley's Operation Rising Star, said he was amazed at the talent the Soldiers had while performing and said he wanted to go to the next one.
"It's important for Families to come out and enjoy entertainment like this because it lifts their spirits and reminds them that we're in this together," he said.
Tacara Carpenter, a military spouse, also enjoyed the show and said she liked the variety of music.
"It's a breath of fresh air especially in wartime when all people think about is the bad things. This is really good for spouses on the installation, too," she said.
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