NFL cheerleaders put on a show for military families

By Allen Shaw, Fort WainwrightJuly 31, 2012

Yes we cancan
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The Seattle Seahawks cheerleader "Show Team" entertained soldiers, families and friends of the Fort Wainwright and Fairbanks communities when they brought their high-energy program to Alaska's Interior, July 19. (Photo by Brian Schlumbohm/Fort Wainwr... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Family member shows spirit
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska (July 27, 2012) -- A military family member whose father is away at training with the 232nd Medical Battalion, won the dance prize during one of the crowd participations events, as the Seattle Seahawks Sea Gals entertained mem... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Chat with NFL cheerleader
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska (July 27, 2012) -- Tyler Schroeder, an employee at the Fort Wainwright Quartermaster Laundry, who is a "big Seahawks fan," had the opportunity to compete in one of the crowd participation events during the Sea Gals show. Steph... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska (July 27, 2012) -- Oomph and enthusiasm filled the Physical Fitness Center on Fort Wainwright, July 18, as the National Football League Seattle Seahawks cheerleaders performed a 90-minute variety-dance show for Soldiers, Family members and friends.

The nationally known Sea Gals brought the crowd to their feet during polished routines, then posed for pictures and signed posters. More than 200 people attended the energized-extravaganza.

"It's just great that we have people (like the Seattle Seahawks organization) who care enough to come up and visit soldiers and family members," said Megan Brown, Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, special event coordinator. "We are also fortunate to have wonderful partners in this community who continue to sponsor these events."

The seven-member dance group or "Show Team" does 300 special appearances a year. "This is my personal favorite part (of the job)," said Lindsay, a seven-year veteran of the squad. "We are so blessed to be part of show group, travel around the world, visit different installations and put smiles on so many faces."

The program is described as pure entertainment. Laura, who is a graduate of Washington State University, has been a Sea Gal for three years.

"There is singing, lots of dancing, costume changes and crowd participation. People are pulled up on stage for different games and contests. It's a lot of fun and we have a blast performing it," Laura said.

Among the participants, Tyler Schroeder, a self-proclaimed, "big Seahawks fan" and employee of the Quartermaster Laundry on post, said the show was awesome. "I had a lot of fun and really enjoyed visiting with the cheerleaders and getting autographs at the end," he said.

Although he is not crazy about the new uniforms and colors the Seahawks will be sporting this season, he hopes it brings them good luck. Seattle is one of six NFL teams who are changing their look.

On the other hand, the Sea Gals are excited about the updated uniforms -- for the football players and themselves. "We all have a slightly different color scheme," said Heidi, another seven-year veteran and graduate of Boise State University.

"Everyone will have the number 12 embroidered on the neck of their uniforms in tribute to the Seattle fans, often referred to as the twelfth man and the players will have symbols, and feathers on their pants to honor the Native American influence in the Pacific Northwest." She said the Sea Gals will be incorporating the new color scheme as well as, "bringing back the iconic cheerleader-look with puffy-sleeves and rhinestones." The official unveiling will be during the first home game against the Tennessee Titans, August 11.

There are a total of 34 Sea Gals and every one of them cheers during home games and they are all anxious to get the season going. "I can't wait until the first game," said Heidi, "It gives me chills just thinking about the energy -- it's exciting for the new Sea Gals to experience such a spectacular event. Every year gets better and better. We practice hard (an average of four hours a day) since the beginning of May to engage the crowd and support our team, and we're pretty excited for that."