VetFamily: Ciara, Entertainer, Model, and Military Brat

Ciara Princess Wilson, better known as Ciara, is a singer, songwriter, record producer, dancer, actress, and fashion model. She's also the product of a military family. Both parents served in the U.S. military.

Many know Ciara for her well-known songs such as I Bet, Goodies, 1, 2 Step, and Ride, as well as being the spouse of NFL Star Quarterback Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks. Her father served in the Army and her mother was in the Air Force.

Ciara was born in Austin, Texas in 1985, the only child of Carlton and Jackie Harris. During her childhood, she moved to numerous U.S. Army bases with tours in Germany, New York, Utah, California, Arizona, and Nevada. During her teens, the family finally settled in Atlanta, Georgia.

The challenges of being a well-traveled military brat were a big part of her life.

“I would build these friendships, and it would be challenging to end them," she told the New York Times. "I would cry, but eventually I would have to get over it because I'd be in the next state. Can't go back.”

One way to cope was to be involved with sports activities, as she excelled in track and cheerleading, while her parents served.

“I learned how to not get nervous in front of big crowds,” she told People Magazine. ”

Ciara's first shot at stardom began when she met Producer Jazze Pha. With his help, Ciara signed a record deal with LaFace Records. In 2004, she released her debut studio album Goodies with three hit singles, including Goodies, 1,2 Step, and Oh. This album went triple platinum and earned her four nominations at the 2006 Grammy Awards. Since her musical debut, Ciara has attained eight billboard hot 100 top-ten singles, including a number one. She has also attained numerous awards and accolades, including three BET Awards, three MTV Video Music Awards, three MOBO Awards, and one Grammy Award. To date, she has sold over 23 million records worldwide.

Apart from her successful music career, Ciara has starred in several movies: That's My Boy, Mama, I want to Sing!, and a movie produced by MTV, All You've Got. She has also become the face of Jay-Z's Rocawear clothing line and spokesperson for the women campaign entitled "I Will Not Lose', which debuted in 2007. In 2010, she became the spokesperson for a new ad campaign for Adidas Originals. In May 2016, she signed a modeling contract with IMG.

Throughout her career, Ciara has experienced success in several different industries. She has attributed much of her career success and inspiration to her parent's time in the military.

When asked who influenced her love of music while growing up, Ciara explained to Guestlist Magazine that, "Well we loved listening to music in my house and my mom and dad would always play those good old school records round me, so I had a strong connection to music from when I could understand or listen or hear. I travelled around because my father was in the military and my mom was in the air force. So I'm a military baby."

Ciara went on to say in a promotional video for car company Jeep, "I consider my dad a big influence on my life he is a true Military hero who served in Desert Storm."

Image credit: http://www.billboard.com/music/ciara