The first day of my trip to the 2010 Essence Music Festival was filled with outstanding events. The Army Strong Interactive Stage is by far the most eye-catching display in the exhibit hall, filled with many activities, including a push-up and pull-up completion, health screenings by the AMEDD team, awesome culinary dishes by SFC Turner, a.k.a. “the Grill Sergeant,” the Army Helicopter Simulator/Amusement Ride, and information on the Army and Army Reserve's career and education opportunities. There were many celebrities on the exhibit floor too, including M.C. Lyte, Lisa Raye, Elise Neal, Holly Robinson Pete and Steve Harvey. The day ended with a “star-studded” concert featuring hit recording artists Monica, Raphael Saddiq (my all-time favorite singer/songwriter), Charlie Wilson and the great Janet Jackson.