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Cheerleaders entertain troops abroad
Naval Station Rota personnel and their families were treated to an evening of dancing and entertainment when 12 of the Washington Redskins cheerleaders, the Redskinettes, performed Aug. 29 at Champions aboard the naval station.

The Redskinettes’ visit to Naval Station Rota was part of a 14-day Mediterranean tour of eight U.S. military bases in the region.

According to Air Force 1st Lt. Luke Hardaway, Europe and Balkans Circuit Manager for Armed Forces Entertainment, the Redskinettes’ mission during this trip is going to be to lift troops’ spirits and morale, and help maintain troop readiness and effectiveness while serving in defense of the country.

“They also want to bring a ‘touch of home’ to our military families and troops, to remind them that they are remembered and appreciated by those of us back in the United States,” said Hardaway.

The Redskinettes visit to Naval Station Rota was well received by troops and family members alike. Operations Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Jordan Villaros of USS Mitscher (DDG 57) was allowed the opportunity to interact with the Redskinettes during one of their dance routines and said that he really enjoyed the show.

“It’s really cool that they provide this sort of entertainment for us,” said Villaros. “It is definitely a morale booster.”

For some on the Redskinettes’ squad, this was their first time traveling abroad with the team, while others were seasoned veterans. This is the first abroad trip for Elizabeth, who is in her first year with the Redskinettes. She said she was excited about the opportunity, her expectations were definitely surpassed and this would be something she would want to do again.

“Everyone is so excited to see us, and I enjoy making people happy,” said Elizabeth. “This differs from performing at games because it’s smaller with a more intimate atmosphere and more interaction.”

While this was her first trip to Spain, Cyprus and Turkey, this is the sixth overseas tour with the Redskinettes for Tiffani. A six-year veteran of the squad, Tiffani has been to Japan, Guam, Micronesia, Hawaii, Greece, Italy, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Iraq, Djibouti, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. She said the tours are by far the “most rewarding” part of being a Redskinette cheerleader.

“We are able to bring a part of home to the troops,” said Tiffani. “It’s the least we can do to show our appreciation. It’s quite a humbling, yet amazing experience.”

Coming to Naval Station Rota was a homecoming for Redskinette Kimberly. A family member of a career Navy officer who was stationed here 20 years ago, Kimberly said coming to see her old house and DGF Elementary School, where she met with her former art teacher, was quite enjoyable for her.

“Actually, I got teary eyed,” said Kimberly. “It’s quite an experience to be back here after so long.”

The Redskinettes will also be visiting Moron Air Force Base, Spain; Naples, Gaeta and Latina, Italy; and Cyprus.
Posted by: Dan Darling 2005-09-08
http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=128958