Five years ago, the military decided to host its own version of a popular reality show where people compete in a singing competition (I'm sure you know the one) and to call it Operation Rising Star. Contestants must be 18 years or older and either be an active duty service member or a dependent. Contests were held at 33 posts worldwide, including Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

This September, the 2010 JBLM competition started with 12 entrants, and after three weeks of performances, just four contestants remained. During the final, held on Sept. 29, finalists left the crowd of more than 80 viewers entertained.

"We're one base now, so we're holding it here on McChord Field, and it's one great, big show," said Bill Strock, manager of Nelson Recreation Center and MWR BOSS advisor.

The first round of voting was handled by three judges: MWR event staffer and musician Elizabeth Thunstedt; returning judge Darlene Begley; and Capt. Gabriel Granados, who is a former commander in the Army Entertainment Division. The judges' votes count for 50 percent of the outcome, and the audience accounts for the other 50 percent.

Before the final voting was announced, Strock awarded the $300 Spirit Award - which goes to the unit, company, battalion, or FRG that best supports its singer - to contestant and military wife Kristi Haskins' group from her husband's 4/6 Air Cavalry Squadron.

Spc. Monique Miranda was named runner up and received a $250 check. Third place, a check for $100, went to Staff Sgt. Kittrell Powell of the Army's 63rd Ordnance Company. The fourth finalist, 2nd Lt. Bill Leasure of the 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, did not place.

Haskins, a mother of four, also took home the biggest honors as winner with a check for $500. She attributes her motivation to her kids.

"They inspired me to go for it," she said. "I also just focused on having fun and took it week by week, so I didn't get overwhelmed."

As the top two singers, Haskins and Miranda will have videos sent along to the Army Entertainment Branch where the 66 entries are further narrowed down to the top 12. Those lucky 12 potential stars are flown to Fort Belvoir, Va., for a live performance, which will be broadcast on the Pentagon channel on Nov. 14, 16, 18, and 20 at 8 p.m. EST.

"She's wanted to do this for a long time," said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Buddy Haskins of his wife. "Luckily she's not afraid of taking a risk ... and now we'll see how far she goes."