Former Jacksonville Jaguars Cheerleaders Do What They Can to Help Troops
By Kathy Acosta
Jacksonville.com
Three former Jacksonville Jaguars Roar cheerleaders are giving back to the U.S. military.
Orange Park resident Melissa George, Mandarin resident Missy Metz and Southside resident Cheryl O’Brien are three of 28 members of a nonprofit, California-based organization called Sweethearts for Soldiers.
Sweethearts for Soldiers providesmorale-boosting entertainment, including singing, dancing and interactive games, for the military in the United States and abroad. The organization also produces an annual calendar for the troops. This year’s will be a World War II swimsuit-themed calendar.
To be a Sweetheart, the girls must have been cheerleaders for NFL or NBA teams and have a passion for helping the military.
Last year, O’Brien and four other girls completed a 10-day tour performing for troops in Iraq. This year is O’Brien’s second year as a Sweetheart. Her husband is in the military, allowing her to realize just how important it is to give back to the troops.
This year’s events will include Operation Rising Star this month and cheerleading camps for girls who have parents who are deployed. Operation Rising Star is an Army-based, American Idol-type contest for the troops and their families. The winner can receive a recording contract.
George, whose father was in the Navy, said the troops really appreciate them coming out because members of the military often become very involved in their everyday routines and are separated from their families.
“To have us go over there to see them have such a great reaction, it’s well worth it,” George said. “It’s the best memories of my life.”
This year will be Metz’s first year with Sweethearts. She has several family members and friends in the military.
“Our military needs to know that there are people here who are really very supportive of everything they do and very appreciative of everything they do for us,” she said.
Melissa George
Missy Metz
Cheryl O’Brien
