By 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larson
Wisconsin National Guard
It's a long way from open mike nights in Milwaukee to singing the National Anthem on the Miller Park infield, but Sgt. Zachary Henningsen of the Plymouth-based Battery B, 1st Battalion, 121st Field Artillery made it look easy.
"My dream is to become a world-famous rock star," Henningsen said moments before standing in front of more than 33,000 Milwaukee Brewers fans at the July 26 game against the Washington Nationals. "Who doesn't want to do something like that?"
Henningsen, 23, sang in the choir during middle and high school in Mayville, Wis. After moving to Milwaukee he frequented open mike nights at various establishments to continue his love of singing.
"I enjoy it," he said. "I've never really been booed off stage."
Henningsen learned near the end of a recent National Guard drill weekend of the opportunity to attend the Milwaukee Brewers game through a ticket promotion offered by the Wisconsin USO. He asked his unit leaders about the possibility of singing the National Anthem before the July 26 game; after gaining their approval, he sent the Brewers organization an audition CD. Less than 10 days later he received the Brewers' approval.
"I was ecstatic," Henningsen said. "For any singer, to get on a national stage or have the opportunity to sing in front of tens of thousands of people is a dream come true."
Henningsen joined the Wisconsin Army National Guard nearly five years ago to "become part of something bigger and better than myself." And his musical aspirations continue to grow as well. Having already performed the National Anthem at Elkhart Lake's Road America and now Miller Park, he has his sights set on the biggest sports stage in the state.
"Maybe I'll do a Packers game this season," he said.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment