The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders went on a tour in South Korea to support the troops and their families. Sponsored by the USO, eight cheerleaders went on a five-day trip to boost the spirits of service members and their loved ones.
They visited various camps, including Camp Walker, Camp Humphreys, Camp Bonifas, and Camp Casey, which are close to the border with North Korea. They began their tour with a bang at Camp Walker in Daegu city and participated in a variety of activities. Amidst the military setting, the cheerleaders engaged in numerous meaningful interactions with the soldiers.
Dallas Cowboys cheer squad spread the joy in South Korea
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The Cowboys’ cheer squad shared meals with them, witnessed reenlistment ceremonies, and hosted a cheerleading clinic that attracted approximately 75 children at Humphreys. In an exhilarating performance at the John W. Collier Community Fitness Center, the cheerleaders, clad in their iconic blue-and-white uniforms, took the stage.
The gym’s atmosphere was electrified with the pulsating rhythms of rock music as they performed before a crowd of 300 people. Their performance elicited enthusiastic cheers and applause that resonated throughout the venue. During their trip, cheerleader Armani, a seasoned veteran of four years, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to interact with military personnel and their families.
She stated, “We’ve got to meet a lot of amazing people and see what they do on a day-to-day basis. It’s just been a very cool opportunity to meet the military men and women and their families.”
She emphasized the significance of recognizing the sacrifices made by service members, highlighting how profoundly their dedication impacted her. McKenzie, another cheerleader also in her fourth season, described the trip as a departure from their typical football-centric appearances. In South Korea, their focus shifted toward expressing gratitude and providing a small piece of home to those serving overseas.
A day to acknowledge the national heroes
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In 2023, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders went on their 85th USO tour, with 39 dedicated solely to South Korea. A former cheerleader and now a leader in the organization, Shelly Roper-McCaslin, noticed changes in the landscape of U.S. bases since their initial trip in 1979. But despite these changes, the military personnel’s dedication to their mission remains strong.
Performing in front of service members and their families held a special meaning for McCaslin because the presence was voluntary. Unlike in a stadium, where people attend primarily for entertainment, the military audience actively chose to engage, making their appreciation more profound.
Air Force Major Jessica Hillard and her daughter spoke about the positive influence of the cheerleaders’ visit to South Korea. The events created lasting memories for children of active-duty military members, showing the camaraderie and support within the military community.
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Their visit served as a beacon of hope for service members stationed far from home. It demonstrated the shared sense of community and support within the military community.