News

Family supports officer’s defense of local Military Idol crown
Date Posted: 8/8/2006

Story and photos by Tim Hipps
USACFSC Public Affairs

FORT MYER, Va. – An Army officer insisted his 1-year-old son was not a prop as they took the stage Aug. 3 for the opening round of 2006 Military Idol competition.

“It’s not meant for baby points but really because mom just went back on active duty and she’s busy,” Maj. Scott Willens said of holding son Matthew while singing Billy Joel’s “Lullaby,” one of their nightly rituals. “At least I always have one fan.”

Willens had enough fans last year to win Fort Myer’s Military Idol crown and reach the round of 16 in the Army-wide finals at Fort Gordon, Ga. On this night, he also had daughters Haley, 8, and Emily, 6, in tow.

Willens said performing in Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs Military Idol and the Margaret “Skippy” Lynn Stars of Tomorrow Contest has provided him more opportunities, such as singing at the Army’s 231st Birthday Ball before a crowd of about 2,500 at the Hilton Washington.

“That was fantastic,” Willens said. “It was technically a mini-musical. They had really amazing professional choreographers and vocal assistants and trainers who were helping us. You can’t put a price on the experiences and the training.”

A veterinarian holding a doctorate in pharmacology with the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute for Chemical Defense at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., Willens also held Matthew while singing Styx’s “Babe” during a conference in the Bahamas.

“He just looks at me when I sing – he likes it,” said Willens, 35, who was told by a Military Idol judge that he could not bring the baby on stage during the second round at Fort Myer. “This is a good PR way for folks within the military and outside of it to see other facets of our lives and talents. Hopefully, whoever gets [the title of Military Idol] can speak well of the Army’s mission in the global war on terror and the mission of their respective unit.”

Willens is a branch chief for neurobehavioral toxicology at USAMRICD, which focuses on medical countermeasures for the botulinum toxin, cyanide and the behavioral effects of other chemical warfare agents. During his spare time, Willens finds another way to serve those who serve, including himself.

“Doing these shows is another way to serve through MWR by entertaining Soldiers,” he said. “For the short term, it gives me an outlet to balance medicine, military and music. It makes me whole.”

Servicemembers on 31 Army installations and camps in the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Belgium, Germany and Korea are participating in local Military Idol competitions through Sept. 30. Check with your local MWR offices for a schedule.

The Army-wide finals are scheduled Oct. 28 through Nov. 6 at Fort Belvoir, Va. For contest rules and information, visit www.militaryidol.com.

Link for more info: http://www.militaryidol.com