NANGARHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan " Washington Redskins' cheerleaders perform to Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA" at Forward Operating Base Fenty, Jan. 22, 2014. The cheerleaders came as part of the Adopt a Soldier's Platoon and Armed Forces Enterta...
NANGARHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan " Washington Redskins' cheerleaders perform a tribute to the Armed Forces at Forward Operating Base Fenty, Jan. 22, 2014. The cheerleaders came as part of the Adopt a Soldier's Platoon and Armed Forces Entertainment's ...
NANGARHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan " Washington Redskins' cheerleaders along with an Elvis Presley impersonator perform to Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA" at Forward Operating Base Fenty, Jan. 22, 2014. The cheerleaders came as part of the Adopt a ...
KAPISA PROVINCE, Afghanistan " U.S. Army 1st Lt. Ranisha Reese (right) of Birmingham, Ala., is serenaded by an Elvis Presley impersonator at Forward Operating Base Fenty, Jan. 22, 2014. Reese serves as a general supply officer with 4th Brigade Specia...
NANGARHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan " Washington Redskins cheerleaders pose for a photo at Forward Operating Base Fenty, Jan. 22, 2014, just before taking the stage to perform for the predominantly 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Task Fo...
NANGARHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan " U.S. Army Sgt. Lionell Red Cloud of DeRidder, La., poses with Washington Redskins cheerleaders at Forward Operating Base Fenty, Jan. 22, 2014. Redcloud serves as military policeman with 4th Brigade Special Troops Bat...
NANGARHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan " A Washington Redskins' cheerleader arrives at Forward Operating Base Fenty, Jan. 22, 2014. The cheerleaders came as part of the Adopt a Soldier's Platoon and Armed Forces Entertainment's tour. The cheerleaders, along...
NANGARHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan " U.S. Army Soldiers with 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Task Force Patriot get autographs from Washington Redskins' cheerleaders at Forward Operating Base Fenty, Jan. 22, 2014. The cheerleaders came ...
NANGARHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan " U.S. Army Sgt. Tiffani Fisher (right) of Odessa, Texas, waits in line to get autographs from Washington Redskins' cheerleaders at Forward Operating Base Fenty, Jan. 22, 2014. Fisher serves as a radiology technician w...
NANGARHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan " U.S. Army 1st Lt. Ranisha Reese (right) of Birmingham, Ala., receives autographs from Washington Redskins' cheerleaders at Forward Operating Base Fenty, Jan. 22, 2014. Reese serves as a general supply officer with 4t...
NANGARHAR PROVICE, Afghanistan -- Army helicopters arrived, mid morning, , delivering a taste of American tradition and entertainment. The Washington Redskins' cheerleaders sent nine of its members to entertain Soldiers at Forward Operating Base Fenty Jan. 22, 2014.
Adopt a Soldier's Platoon and Armed Forces Entertainment invited the cheerleaders as part of their annual tour to FOB Fenty. The base 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 here 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.
When a chance to perform for deployed troops presented itself, the cheerleaders jumped at the opportunity.
"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., team captain, Washington Redskins' Cheerleaders.
"Some people want to connect with this conflict in the way that Soldiers are; I think it's great," said Spc. Matthew Acker, an infantryman with Headquarters Company, 2nd Bn., 30th Inf. Reg. "It lets us know that people back home care."
Entertainment like this can play a part in lifting Soldier's morale, which encourages them to make it to the end of their deployment and ultimately make it home.
"It motivates you for a while; you need motivators sometimes," said Acker , a native of Milwaukee, Wis. "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 Mila T., co-captain, Washington Redskins' Cheerleaders. "I just want them to know that people are still waiting for them when they return home."
For some Soldiers, the sentiment of enduring care from people back home is the key.
"Even though we've continued to [be at war] for so long, people still show the support and take time to remember us," said Sgt.1st Class Justin Pizzoferrato from Voluntown, Conn. Pizzoferrato is a security platoon sergeant, assigned to 2nd Bn., 30th Inf. Reg. "I appreciate them continuing to give their time and their presence," he added.
Even though an all female cheerleading team visited a combat zone, there were female Soldiers in the audience as well. According to one of the cheerleaders, they go out of their way to welcome the female Soldiers.
"We try to include them in the show," said Ashley A., team captain, Redskins' Cheerleaders. "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" Sgt. Tiffani Fisher, radiology technician, Company C, 94th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Task Force Patriot. "Seeing the cheerleaders was a 'beacoup' and there was an impersonating Elvis which made it even more epic."
The choreography and live entertainment was a huge boost for the Odessa, Texas native.
"I was more than okay with the dancing and outfits, I appreciate beauty where it lies," said Fisher. "It's also nice to see people come out to the desert just to show us a good time and support the troops."
This tour took a lot of coordination between multiple agencies and units on FOB Fenty. One noncommissioned officer, who was central to linking these different pieces together, expressed his thoughts in response to the required work and support.
"It was well worth it," said Sgt. 1st Class Ricky Thomas of Ville Platte, La., operations NCO in charge, 4th Brigade Special Troops Battalion. "The troops got close hand interaction; it gave them some motivation and it put them in a cheerful mood and I truly appreciate that."
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