On July 12, 2009, six Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders returned from Iraq and Kuwait as part of a 12-day goodwill military tour. This marks the second consecutive year that Eagles Cheerleaders traveled to the Middle East to visit US military servicemen and women. The tour was designed to entertain and boost the morale of the soldiers, many of whom are serving lengthy tours of duty in Iraq and Kuwait.  The cheerleaders performed variety shows at the bases in addition to meet-and-greets and autograph sessions. The cheerleaders truly got a sense of the soldiers' sacrifice as they spent hours each day talking at length to the military members. The cheerleaders also flew in Black Hawk helicopters, slept in barracks and endured the severe climate.

Amanda Bedford, a fourth-year member of the squad, was one of the six current cheerleaders that made the trip.  Prior to the departure, Amanda said, "I'm going to Iraq and Kuwait not only to boost the morale of our brave soldiers and show my support, but also for more personal reasons. I have friends and family currently serving our country in the military, as well as family members who have given their lives to protect our freedom. This tour is my small contribution to those who have sacrificed so much for us." Joining Amanda on the tour were Alexandra, Janelle, Krystle, Priscilla, and Tiffany.

Read some of their interesting blogs:

July 2, 2009

Hey Eagles Fans!
 
Greetings from Kuwait! IT'S HOT!!! We started our day with a morning rehearsal and then proceeded to the DFAC (dining facility) for lunch. At first, we were a little intimidated by all of the soldiers, but after a while they made us feel incredibly welcome. We even met a few Philly fans in there! Even with all of the Eagles fans we still hear "Go Dallas" and "Go Steelers"... even in Kuwait!
 
Throughout our experiences here, we are learning a lot of military protocol. We didn't know that soldiers aren't allowed to just come over and sit with us until invited, so we asked a few of them over to our table. During our conversations we heard their stories and pretty much told jokes the entire time. It was nice being able to joke around and just be able to take them away from their daily routine.
 
After lunch we met with the Colonel, who is also the Chief of Staff at our base. There we were informed of the Muslim culture, background of Kuwait, and the military bases. Our meeting with him was an eye-opening experience and extremely informative. We had no idea the United States has such a positive rapport with Kuwait. It is comforting to know that Kuwait encourages the US Military's presence. Later on, the Colonel gave each of us individual Certificates of Appreciation and coined us "Honorary Soldiers" for volunteering our time to boost the morale of the servicemen and women of Kuwait. What better way to begin our tour?
 
We were scheduled for a performance at Camp Virginia, but due to a sandstorm it was cancelled. That was a little disappointing but we held an extra autograph session for the soldiers. During that time it gave us an opportunity to learn more about the soldiers on a personal level. Camp Virginia is a transition base for those soldiers who are arriving and leaving. Most of the soldiers have families back home so it was nice to hear that they will finally be reunited.
 
After we were finished at Camp Virginia, our security detail took us on a tour of Camp Arifjan. He showed us the living quarters of the soldiers and recreation facilities. We met with a 1st Lieutenant in the US Army and we were able to get the female perspective. We heard her story of how she enlisted in the Military and wouldn't change a single day.
 
Overall, it was an incredible first day. In the short time we've been here, it's hard to grasp the fact that as much as we are here to thank these soldiers for everything they and their families are sacrificing for us, all they do is thank us for volunteering our time. It seems to be a two-way street, in other words, it's a mutual appreciation.
 
Tomorrow we begin our journey to Iraq!
 
Amanda "Cop", Krystle "Teach", Priscilla "SS", Tiffany "Jersey", Janelle "Tippy Toes", and Alex "Joker" (All nicknames given to us by our security team)

July 6, 2009

Greetings from Iraq!
 
This trip has been full of the unexpected with sandstorms all over the country, our plans change hourly! At every base we've visited, we have found die-hard Eagles fans and have signed things from lucky hats to flags that have travled to Iraq all the way from Philadelphia. Although we are on the other side of the world, there are still those pesky Dallas and Giants fans giving us a hard time!
 
Our transportation was not just limited to a bus but we have been able to ride in Black Hawk helicopters, CH 53 and CH 46 helicopters, MRAP's, and Priscilla even braved a camel.  Thanks to a confident pilot, each of us had the chance to co-pilot a C130 fixed wing plane. Krystle and Tiffany were told not to hang up their pom-poms since they do not have a future career in piloting a helicopter!
 
Alex, our resident cinematographer, has been capturing all of our moments on film while Janelle and Amanda enjoy bartering for traditional Iraqi souvenirs.
 
Though our performances are an exciting part for us, the most valuable time that we have spent here is personal interactions with the troops. We've gathered an extensive list of emails to keep in contact with our newfound friends; many who have made personal connections with each of us, whether it be the same hometown or common career interests. Not only have we met some of the most courageous and strong-willed people, but we have also grown closer as a team of six. We are all honored to have been awarded the opportunity to be here and if given the chance, we would all return in a heartbeat.
 
Peace from the Middle East,
 
Janelle, Krystle, Alex, Tiffany, Amanda, and Priscilla