NFL cheerleaders visit deployed Fort Polk troops

Sgt. 1st Class E.L. Craig, U.S. Army
The Town Talk
Jan. 31, 2014

NANGARHAR PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN — Army helicopters arrived, midmorning, delivering a taste of American tradition and entertainment to a group of Fort Polk soldiers at Forward Operating Base Fenty.

Nine members of the cheerleading squad for the NFL’s Washington Redskins visited the troops Jan. 22 during a tour of Afghanistan. Forward Operating Base Fenty is home for two deployed 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Task Force Patriot battalions — 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment and 4th Brigade Special Troops Battalion. There are various smaller units assigned there as well.

During their visit, the cheerleaders and an Elvis Presley impersonator performed, ate lunch with the troops and signed autographs during a meet-and-greet session immediately following their performances.

“We want to be here; we fought our teammates to come here, not physically, because we know how important what you guys do for us is,” said Ashley A., co-captain of the cheerleaders. The Redskins do not release the full names of members of the cheerleading squad.

“I think it’s great,” Spc. Matthew Acker said. “It lets us know that people back home care.”

Entertainment like this can play a part in lifting soldiers’ morale, which encourages them to make it to the end of their deployment and ultimately make it home, Acker said.

“It motivates you for a while; you need motivators sometimes,” he said. “It’s a reminder that you’re doing something good and that people believe in what we’re doing over here.”

For one cheerleader, performing for troops comes from a sense of duty that for her is close to home.

“My whole family was in the military so I have a big heart for (deployed soldiers). I know the sacrifices they go through, I’ve been through it,” said cheerleaders co-captain Mila T. “I just want them to know that people are still waiting for them when they return home.”

Even though an all-female cheerleading team visited a combat zone, there were female soldiers in the audience as well.

“We try to include them in the show,” Ashley said. “We make sure to give them a shout out in our show, interact with them and let them know that they’re just as important to us as the males because they’re doing just as much.”

Accommodating the female audience members was noticed and appreciated.

“I thought it was outstanding –– I’m a big Redskins fan,” said Sgt. Tiffani Fisher, a radiology technician. “I was more than OK with the dancing and outfits. I appreciate beauty where it lies.

“It’s also nice to see people come out to the desert just to show us a good time and support the troops.”