Musical Marine follows life's path
MCB Camp Pendleton
Story by:Lance Cpl. Lanessa Arthur

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.(Jan. 26, 2006) -- As a young child in Indianapolis, Gunnery Sgt. Jason C. Henry sang for the Lord in his church choir. Now, he is singing his holy music to the masses.

The 33-year-old training chief with Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Base, always knew that music was his calling, but with God leading the way his heavenly song has given him nation-wide attention.

Henry has been working with a show called “Exalting Him” for approximately two years.

“It’s a religious version of American Idol,” said Henry, who’s performance name is “God-child.”

Henry’s mother encouraged him to join the auditions for the show.

The first phase is to send in a song for vocal review. About 1,500 participants are narrowed down to 400.

Of the 400 selected, they select 40 in 10 different regions. The 40 contestants in the each region perform their selections in front of judges who then choose a winner, Henry said.

Henry, who was unsure of his competition, was announced as the winner for the Anaheim region and moved on to the semifinals, which is scheduled to broadcast on the Jesus Christ Tele-vision station this February.

The competition will include 10 solo contestants and 10 bands competing and will be narrowed down to four each. Each of the categories will declare a winner, and the soloist will then compete against the remaining band for a recording contract.

“This is a good way to get noticed,” said Henry, who writes his own lyrics, produces his own beats and owns his own production company.

Currently, Henry has spent 15 years in the Marine Corps and has used the traveling to his advantage. He has lived in Washington D.C., Quantico, Va., Camp Lejeune, N.C., Coronado, and Camp Pendleton. Henry has also traveled with security forces to Vancouver, Canada, Singapore, and performed in Perth, Australia.

“My wife is the ultimate critic and will tell me when something doesn’t sound right,” said Henry.

Ellie