All that aside, I commend the Redskins Cheerleaders for making the trip. Improves morale immensly (even for the Cowboys fans in attendance).
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.”
Thus, another benefit of being a doctor is that one doesn't have to go looking for a mistress--they come right to you. ;-)
"Because most physicians are men and are more likely to agree tovisit with a pretty young woman. "
Maybe a generation ago. Today in the US the proportion is close to 50/50 among young docs. In Europe there are proportionally more females. In Russia there are many more female docs. In Asia, maybe 30% female, but quickly rising. Also I can assure you that maybe only 10 to 15% are what you would call pretty young women.
Thank you for your service,and yes you were robbed;)
I loved it when the round eyes came OCONUS to service members.
I knew you were holding out on us. Come on, where's the rest of em?
A cowboy supporter in Virginia? Say it ain't so, Joe (Thieseman).
Ew! For want of some ripe tomatoes...
WOW!,hard to pick out my future ex-wife from that pic;)
The very first round eyed woman I ever saw in a mini-skirt after a year and a half overseas was Raquel. Set the bar pretty high for when I came home.
With Anna Nicole dead and gone I guess I have to move on to third from the right (any row!).
Well, after all the hoopla about that young lady's death, I had to google to find out who she was. But I haven't had t.v. service for about 6 years or so. I only watch t.v. when at someone's home, and only if they are watching something good, not the usual fare.
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