1LT William Bland
Performer
Duty Station: Kentucky Army National Guard
1st Lt. William Bland is a rapper and songwriter influenced by Eminem, B.O.B., Bruno Mars, Will Smith and Michael Jackson. He began performing in elementary school plays at age 10 and participated in theatre arts throughout his career at Louisville Male High School and Union College in Barbourville, Kentucky, where he played the Tin Man in the “Wizard of Oz”-themed school orientation video. He also won several talent shows and participated in every open microphone night while at Union. He experienced success in Daniel Boone Festival shows and local hip hop talent shows. Bland also performed in local Christmas shows to benefit needy children. “I want to continue to develop as an artist and performer while using my abilities to boost the morale of fellow Soldiers,” said Bland, 25. “I love using my creativity to entertain and see people enjoy watching me do what I love to do.”
