'American Idol' Hopeful Phil Stacey's Next Step Is Up To Navy

Team Infidel

Forum Spin Doctor
Los Angeles Times
May 4, 2007
The military might release the active-duty sailor, but it could also use his singing skills.
By Julian E. Barnes, Times Staff Writer
WASHINGTON — Now that "American Idol" voters have kicked Navy sailor Phil Stacey off the singing competition, is the Pentagon considering sending him to Iraq?
Navy and Pentagon officials weren't saying Thursday what was next for Stacey, an active-duty petty officer 3rd class and a vocalist with the Navy Band Southeast in Jacksonville, Fla.
During the competition, Stacey was temporarily assigned to the Los Angeles recruiting district.
Military officials were clearly pleased they had a certifiable star on active duty.
Navy spokesmen said the service was discussing with Stacey his next assignment, and whether he would join the other finalists on their tour this summer.
"Idol" finishers are generally required to tour after the television show's season is over.
Stacey could be allowed to participate in the tour as part of a recruiting assignment; the Navy could force him to use personal leave; or he could be released from his military obligation.
There is precedent for the Navy releasing sailors from active-duty obligations. Naval Academy graduate David Robinson was allowed to enter the Reserves in order to play pro basketball with the San Antonio Spurs. "The Admiral," as he became known (though he didn't reach that rank), helped lead the team to two NBA championships.
But the Navy may have more of an interest in hanging on to Stacey.
The New Republic magazine reported last month that the USO had struggled this year to recruit celebrities to entertain U.S. troops in Iraq. The USO has blamed transportation difficulties for a declining number of tours, but the magazine suggested that the decline might be tied to the increasing unpopularity of the war.
Although the USO may have few stars willing to go to Iraq, with Stacey the military has a singing star it can order to perform anywhere.
Stacey enlisted in October 2003 and is committed to serve until fall 2008.
"I expect when the band deploys, he will go with them," said one military officer in the Pentagon.
Bill Dougherty, a Navy spokesman in Jacksonville, said the Navy Band Southeast did not typically deploy overseas. According to Dougherty, the band mainly plays in high schools to help with recruiting. Stacey is also the lead singer of Pride, the Navy's rock band.
But Stacey could be reassigned or be asked to volunteer for a musical tour in Iraq or Afghanistan or on the two naval carrier groups stationed in the Persian Gulf.
"Maybe he will bring the rest of the 'Idol' finalists with him," said the military officer.
Listening to the conversation, another officer quipped: "I would rather have Sanjaya deploy." Sanjaya Malakar was a young "Idol" contestant whose singing talent has been widely ridiculed but who made it far into the competition based on the devotion of preteen fans and Howard Stern listeners.
For their part, Navy officials sounded enthusiastic about letting Stacey tour with "Idol" finalists but reluctant to let go of their new star.
"We view this as something tremendously valuable for the Navy in terms of public affairs and recruiting," said spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Jeff Davis. "He was showing off skills he developed in the Navy…. He has been an excellent ambassador for the Navy."
 
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