GUIDON staff

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Fort Leonard Wood’s new Operation Rising Star winner is Pfc. Marvin Forbes, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 94th Engineer Battalion.

“When I was on stage tonight, I felt at home,” Forbes said.

“Music is my life. My mom told me that the Army could be a stepping stone for me. Being here on Fort Leonard Wood, being able to do what I love and still be a Soldier means so much to me. I want people to realize there is opportunity to reach for the stars on Fort Leonard Wood,” he continued.

Five finalists performed Sept. 11 at the Pershing Community Center. Mallory Wilson won second place, and Staff Sgt. Tracy Birdsong, 4th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, won third. 1st Lt. Molly Euler, Medical Department Activity, and Theresa Anderson were also finalists.

 The Spirit Award, presented annually to the unit demonstrating the most enthusiasm throughout the competition, went to the 94th Engineer HHC.

Forbes has always loved music and started singing when he was 5 years old. Now serving as a human resources specialist, Forbes’ singing has mostly been at home lately.  

“I can honestly say when I started Operation Rising Star I didn’t have very much confidence. My vocals were so great in my room or in my shower, but I had been away from performing in front of people for so long that it was like doing it for the first time again. I am definitely more confident now,” Forbes said. “During the competition I worked on my ability to connect with the crowd.”

The Fort Leonard Wood competition was one of 37 installation-level competitions held at military bases worldwide. As the local-level winner, Forbes now has a chance to advance to the next round.

The judges this year were Larry Prater, Jennifer Thompson, Command Sgt. Maj. Jerry Faulk and Josh Noe.

Noe, a disc jockey for radio station KFLW, said he thought judging Operation Rising Star would be difficult. 

“I didn’t know if I was expected to be Simon Cowell or what not, but (the contestants) made it easy. They all have very good personalities. They are just good people,” Noe said. “I feel what helped me with judging was that it was really clear to see what each one of them needed.”

As the competition progressed, Noe said he could see a difference in each of the contestants.

“The first week was acapella; they didn’t get to move around the stage much, and they were nervous. In weeks two and three, they moved around more and are more comfortable. They are feeding off the crowd. They are becoming performers and starting to believe in themselves more,” Noe said. “I like that these people are getting a chance to be on stage. That’s the most important thing.”

Noe was glad to be a part of Operation Rising Star 2012 and said he enjoyed watching the contestants grow.

“The support these people are getting from their friends and Family was amazing. It’s huge to watch them fulfill their dreams,” Noe said.

As for Forbes, Noe said “I would put him on the radio today.”