Posted on 03/02/2007 10:24:21 AM PST by mdittmar
SALERNO, Afghanistan - From cheering on the football field to cheering “in the field,” some of the National Football Leagues’ patriotic cheerleaders visited the servicemembers of Forward Operating Base Salerno, Afghanistan, Feb. 28.
The “First Ladies of Football,” a portion of the Washington Redskins cheerleaders, performed dance routines, spoke to the troops and invited a few lucky individuals to come up on stage.
The purpose of the trip was to visit servicemembers deployed in support of their country and provide them entertainment for at least one night, said Donald R. Wells, the director of entertainment and cheerleading for the Redskins.
“This is the 23rd tour we have done,” Wells said. “We’re going through different bases in Afghanistan to provide a touch of home.”
The show began with the First Ladies charging on stage and performing one of their many sideline routines. The crowd erupted in applause, and the intensity of the moment continued throughout the hour-long performance.
“We haven’t gotten a bad review yet,” quipped Onya R. Hayward, a pharmaceutical sales representative who is also a Redskins cheerleader, about the reception the crowd provided.
“It’s a great form of entertainment,” said Army Staff Sgt. Edmund G. Butsamante of Company E, 1st Battalion, 285th Aviation Attack Reconnaissance Battalion. “It’s nice to see something besides the same uniform.”
Between performances, one cheerleader would step on stage and speak to the crowd.
“This is our way of saying thanks,” said Lauren K. McNulty, a nuero-therapist who spends part of her free time as a cheerleader.
And while the First Ladies were there to thank the Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors and Marines of the United States, the servicemembers were equally returning thanks.
“It helps us to know that the people back home really care,” said Sgt. Mike Semja, a petroleum specialist with Co. E, 1st Bn., 285th ARB. “It lets you know you’re not forgotten.”
Some of the servicemembers were called on stage to participate in a push-up contest, a dance-off between Soldiers and also to dance with the First Ladies themselves.
“I don’t know what to say,” said Army Pfc. Tristan P. Winter, a forward observer with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, who was called on stage to dance with one of the First Ladies. “It was a real morale booster. It was certainly something I didn’t expect, to dance with an NFL cheerleader.”
As the show came to a close, Wells announced the cheerleaders would give every servicemember an opportunity to meet the First Ladies up close and personnel during an autograph session. The troops formed a line wrapping around the building, anxiously awaiting a chance to get autographs and take photos with the First Ladies.
More than three hours later, the First Ladies had an opportunity to get something to eat and get a few hours of sleep before leaving the very next morning to visit more servicemembers. Despite the fast-paced schedule, they were upbeat about the chance to visit Afghanistan.
“This has been absolutely wonderful,” McNulty said. “This is my ninth tour, and so far this has been the best tour for me.”
And while the Washington Redskins are obviously their team of choice, the First Ladies were here to support all the servicemembers, even division rival Dallas Cowboys fans.
“They can be a Cowboys fan,” Hayward said. “But we definitely turned them into Washington Redskins cheerleader fans.”
No burkas, thank goodness.
burkas hell.take the bras off..............hehehe
Can you give us a few more pics?
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
How many bad pickup lines has THIS girl heard?!??
Giving the troops a real treat, now this good.
Attractive, female sales reps seem so common in that particular industry.
This_ Thread_ Is_ Worthless_ Without_ Pics
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
I'm a Cowboys fan, but I thank those ladies for making the trip.
How 'bout them Redskinettes?!!
Who the heck would name their daughter "Onya"?!?!?! LOL!!
Who the heck would name their daughter "Onya"?!?!?! LOL!!
The Redskins Cheerleaders visited Guantanamo when my brother was stationed there. He sent me the full-res pics and videos to prove it! :) About the same time they got a visit from Miss USA, Miss Universe and Miss Teen USA. Once again he sent me the photos to prove it. :)
Because most physicians are men and are more likely to agree tovisit with a pretty young woman. Sexist? Yes. Smart? Yes.
This just reminds the troops of the American girls waiting for them back home. I'm all for that. This way our troops don't have to settle for pigs in a poke, er, ahem, foreign girls in burqas.
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
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