Soldiers of the Month for July / Aug. 2018: Meet Jocelyn and Jennifer
Enter to be next month's SOTM here!
Note: Due to getting behind because of the 2018 Backstreet Boys Cruise, we have chosen two Soldier of the Months to celebrate together for both July and August 2018.
“The Big Bang Theory,” “Jane the Virgin,” “Younger,” “Outlander” “One Tree Hill” and “New Girl” are just a few of the shows that fans would love to see the Backstreet Boys star on. And really who wouldn’t love to see Nick and Brian play two-on-two basketball with the Scott brothers or have Howie discuss business with Schmidt. Better yet, who wouldn’t want to see Kevin and AJ as Scottish brothers in 1760 Scotland?
While those are fictional, scripted shows, fans answered the monthly question suggesting that they would love to see the guys on “Big Brother” or “American Idol.” That could always happen, especially since Nick Carter was a judge on ABC’s “Boy Band” and AJ is a huge “Big Brother” fan.
For Jocelyn Holmes of Indiana, her pick would be “Grey’s Anatomy.” Sure, McDreamy and McSteamy are no longer on the show, but couldn’t Kevin come on board as a smoldering, dark stranger who turns out to be a doctor.
Jocelyn believes the guys could be on the show in two different ways.
“Maybe have Nick and Howie come in as co-workers with a mysterious illness,” Jocelyn said. “Kevin could be a visiting surgeon (since) he has that McDreamy hair thing going on, and Brian could be a dueling surgeon with a different suggested course of treatment.”
And she wouldn’t leave AJ out of Grey Sloane Hospital either.
“AJ could have another storyline going on in the episode as the lawyer of a patient who has a signed DNR (do not resuscitate order),” Jocelyn said. “The possibilities are endless really, but it would be fantastic to seem them playing dramatic roles.”
For Jennifer Varnum, another Indiana resident, her dream starring role would come a totally different show – “Orange is the New Black.”
“’Orange is the New Black’ is one of my favorite shows, and since they need new guards, so why not Backstreet Boys? It would be hilarious,” Jennifer said.
According to Jennifer, Kevin could be the serious, by the book guard, who tries to make the prison a better place.
“Brian (could be) the guard who is a little goofy, but still wants to play by the rules and won't hesitate to send someone to solitary for misbehaving,” Jennifer added. “AJ (could be) the guard who just wants everyone get along and leave him alone.”
She also thinks AJ would be the guard who helps the prisoners sneak in make-up and panty hose and wants to be everyone's friend to avoids problems.
Jennifer believes Howie would be the guard who supervises the other guards and oversees the business side of things. She thinks he would make sure all the funds are put where they belong.
“Nick (would be) the over achieving guard who wants and needs everything to be perfect within the prison,” Jennifer said. “(He would be) very reactive to anything that may be out of place and reports every infraction to his supervisor. He makes sure it gets taken care of before he rests.”
Now who wouldn’t want the boys on “Grey’s Anatomy” or “Orange is the New Black” with roles like that?
Meet Jocelyn and Jennifer, your July / August 2018 Soldiers of the Month.
JOCELYN
Twitter: @Missyjay72
Where are you from? Windsor, Ontario Canada – but currently living in Indiana
What do you do for a living? Media Specialist in the communications department at a university
Tell us a little bit about yourself: My friends tell me I'm an organized, creative control freak. I love planning parties, and events, and I always love organizing a great vacation! My husband and I just celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary this past June. I knew he was a keeper when he came to a Backstreet Boys concert with me the first month we were dating. Now he knows all the words and comes to almost all their concerts with me. I have an extremely large and crazy extended family who I love and I have two dogs that I adore. Even people that don’t know me well know that I’m a diehard fan. Anytime BSB is featured in the news you can almost always guarantee a friend or family member will send me the link to the article or video.
How long have you been a BSB fan? Since their first album was released in Canada in 1996
How did you become a fan? We use to have “dance parties” in my best friend’s Laura’s playroom growing up. I went to her house and she had just been given their new CD for her birthday. We danced for hours with the CD on repeat! I have been hooked ever since!
What is your favorite BSB memory? I have a lot of great BSB memories to choose from since I’ve been a fan for 22 years. Some involve direct interaction with the guys while others involve just screaming my heart out from the nosebleed section during the Millennium Tour. Some memories from the highlight reel include: getting my first selfie, experiencing front row for the first time and of course I’ll never forget the first time I met them.
But the one memory that makes me smile the most is when I sat on stage with the guys during the In a World Like This Tour. I was on crutches at the time and there were stairs on the stage, so instead of having me climb up on the steps, their security guy Mike had me sit alone on the first stair. It was a great experience getting to see the audience from the boys’ perspective and to be able to feel like I was a part of the show, but at the same time since no one was sitting next to me it felt like I was having a private sing along with the guys. After the acoustic set finished Brian walked over, gave me a hug, and his guitar pick!
What is your favorite BSB song and why? I always hate getting asked this question, because it is really hard to choose just one. It is so mood dependent. So I’ll choose two! One oldie and one new. Older hit would have to be “Just to Be Close to You”, but the acapella version. There is just something about the harmonies in this song that get me every time! A more recent favorite would have to be “Madeleine.” My 10-year-old self really could have used this song growing up. I love the message behind it and it’s a great anthem for anyone who is struggling and needs a bit of encouragement.
What is your favorite BSB video and why? “Just Want You to Know,” it is just so funny!
Who is your favorite Backstreet Boy and why? Growing up I was a diehard Nick girl. But to be honest, as I’ve gotten older I really don’t have a favorite anymore. I appreciate each guy for their individual personalities and what they bring to the group. Some days Brian is my favorite because he made me laugh at a soundcheck, other days it’s AJ because he took the extra time to stop and take a selfie with me. I love them ALL!
How has BSB impacted your life? The impact that they have had on me as varied based on the different stages of my life.
When I was younger I was bullied a lot (sometimes it was even for loving BSB), but at the end of the day I knew I could just go home and lock myself in my room, crank up my stereo and get lost in their music. Going to their concerts, knowing a new album was coming out, or a new TV special was going to air; it always gave me something to look forward to. I always found comfort in listening to their music and watching them on TV.
As an adult, I was in a severe car accident and couldn’t walk for three and a half years. During that time I went through some low points, both physically and mentally. In addition to relying on family for support, I heavily relied on my love for BSB. It was the anticipation of a new tour or going to a meet & greet that kept me going.
What is your favorite thing about being a BSB fan? While I really enjoy and appreciate being a part of the Backstreet Army and the sense of community around it, I don’t know if I really have a favorite thing about being a fan. I’ve grown up with them, and they have been a part of my life for what seems like forever. Backstreet just runs through my veins, they are an integral part of who I am.
Have you been to Vegas? Yes, I have been to Vegas! I saw them opening night of the residency! It was a great experience and I’m so glad that I had the opportunity to see the show. Although I’d love to go back and see it one last time before it ends, I don’t think I will be able to make it out there again this year. But I can’t wait for next world tour…. that I won’t miss!
What has been your favorite BSB moment over the past 25 years? That’s easy! When Kevin came back! I’m glad the other four continued without him, but things weren’t just the same without Kevy Kev!
JENNIFER:
Twitter: @jenv1986
Where are you from? I was born in Mississippi, have lived in Illinois, Florida and Michigan too but currently live in Jeffersonville, Indiana
What do you do for a living? I have been a dog groomer for 16 years
Tell us a little bit about yourself: I am 32, have 3 Papillon dogs named Miracle, Spixie and Aria and basically my life has gone to the dogs lol
How long have you been a BSB fan? since 1998
How did you become a fan? Don't judge me but I have to mention "that other boyband.” I became a fan after NSync pulled me into the pop music world. I was listening to country music all the time before then and I saw the Disney Nsync concert and became a fan of them. Afterwards I heard other pop artists like Britney and Christina and of course, Backstreet Boys! I fell in love with them, started buying all the magazines they were in, got their albums and other merchandise... My room was filled with posters and their music. I absolutely had to have Millennium and Black and Blue the day they were released. Yes I was a NSync fan first but I was successfully converted lol
What is your favorite BSB memory? My first BSB concert wasn't until recently and the first time Brian touched my hand and pretended to trip.. cause it's such a Brian move. LOL Really had me giggling and this was in November 15 2017 in Vegas. Then Nov 17 2017 when Nick briefly grabbed my hand and sang a part of "As Long As You Love Me" to me. Both moments were incredible!
What is your favorite BSB song and why? I have over 15 hours’ worth of BSB songs and their solo albums on my iTunes and I have to choose just one? lol well I will say the single "Downing" because of the harmonies. Simply put, it's beautiful and I have been in love with the song since it first came out and I have never fallen out of love with it.
What is your favorite BSB video and why? “Don't Go Breaking My Heart” because it's hot and new, and I can't stop watching it! I love the production, the dancing, the lights, the effects.. it's perfect.
Who is your favorite Backstreet Boy and why? Brian and AJ because … how much time do you have? I'll keep it short and to the point. Lol Stating the obvious when I say they are both gorgeous, talented men with big hearts and a lot of drive and perseverance. Brian with his health issues and AJ with his addiction, both overcoming their obstacles and never ever giving up. That is what I need to look to for inspiration. I battle with clinical depression every day, and to have these two to go to for entertainment, a smile or a laugh, listening to how they overcame things in life… just helps me get through my every day and I am so incredibly grateful to them that they shared these parts of their lives with us. Brian also helped me come back to my faith after my dad was murdered 6 years ago.
How has BSB impacted your life? In a huge, positive way. Every single member of BSB has given me a reason to fight my own battles and to have something to look forward to like... the next event, the next video, the next song... and re-visiting all the work they've done before. Also, when someone posts things in their personal life (hi Nick lol) on Instagram sharing their baby memories… it's beautiful and sweet. I totally look forward to all those times- and each time it brings a smile to my face which has such a huge impact on me. Seriously, they have saved my life several times through their performances and just when they are being themselves and they share that with us.
What is your favorite thing about being a BSB fan? Everything. The ups, the downs, getting high off that positive energy at their shows. Just everything. Especially the love and dedication they show to their fans.
Have you been to Vegas? Yes!! I have been 5 times and I will be there July 25. 27 and planning on doing more before the residency ends. So after this week the forecast… 8 times with extremely high chances of more.. LOL!
What has been your favorite BSB moment over the past 25 years? I am going to go with the one story Kevin told about the fan in the bathroom… hilarious! "Dude, I'm not AJ" lol
By Karah-Leigh Hancock
Twitter: @Princess_Karah