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Airman wins 3rd DoD-wide in Operation Rising Star

  • Published
  • By Chelsea Gitzen
  • Capital Flyer staff writer
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. --  For Airman 1st Class Jamie Jarman, a 316th Civil Engineer Squadron emergency management specialist, it takes more than courage to sing for a group of people you don't know, and more than nerve to be able to do it well enough to win them over.

Not everyone is gifted with a voice that could bring an audience to tears. Joint Team Andrews has such a member. Airman Jarman sang her way to the finals of the Operation Rising Star competition, and landed a third place finish.

Operation Rising Star is an international competition featuring servicemembers and civilians from all branches of the military. It is run by the U.S. Army's Family Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Command. The competition whittled 33 finalists from military installations in the United States and abroad down to three finalists during a graduated contest similar to the hit television show, "American Idol." Operation Rising Star is broadcast online. Tallied text messages and online votes decide winners. The challenge was daunting for Airman Jarman. 

The young Airman first noticed Operation Rising Star while in technical school at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. "I saw posters around Fort Leonard Wood and it seemed like a talent show," said Airman Jarman. "At the time, I just sort of shrugged it off." She hadn't planned to enter the competition, until a few friends encouraged her to pursue recognition for her considerable talent.

With the influence of friends, Airman Jarman made the commitment to enter the Operation Rising Star competition. "A few friends came to me and said 'You should do it,'" she said.

Once she placed first at Fort Leonard Wood, Airman Jarman moved on to the semi-finals and had been assigned to her first duty station - Joint Base Andrews. The prestige of an Andrews assignment as a start to entering the Air Force was exhilarating for this newly-graduated Airman.

"I was really excited to join Team Andrews because it is a presidential base,"  said Airman Jarman. "We have a different mission that makes us unique." Joint Team Andrews members welcomed this Airman further by supporting her competition endeavor.

"A lot of members from my squadron came out to the competition to support me and a lot of members helped by voting for me," said Airman Jarman, "I felt a lot of support."

Her performance in the competition as well as on a daily basis has identified her as an excellent addition to Joint Team Andrews.

"She has been very professional since she came to this squadron and has represented the U.S. Air Force to the highest standard," said Staff Sgt. Jontae Wallace, 316 CES readiness and emergency management craftsman and Airman Jarman's supervisor, "Her performance as a CE member is completely outstanding."

As for the future of Airman Jarman, she hopes to continue serving in the Air Force and utilizing her incredible talents.

"I sent away a package to audition for the Tops in Blue," said Airman Jarman.

Sergeant Wallace is completely confident in his Airman's abilities and also sees a bright future for Airman Jarman.

"I think the sky's the limit for Airman Jarman," said Sergeant Wallace. "She can do anything with her upbeat attitude and shining personality."

Airman Jarman embodies excellence both in the present and for the future of Joint Team Andrews.