May 28, 2008 8:46 am US/Eastern
Eagles Cheerleaders Train For Iraq Trip
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
A troop of Philadelphia Eagles cheerleaders is heading overseas for a 12-day tour of duty. The select group will be swapping the football field for the battlefield as they head to Iraq in support of the troops.
While the entire squad of 38 cheerleaders wanted to join the mission, five select members were chosen to perform a special routine for troops currently serving in the Middle East.
"It's really an amazing opportunity that's been given to all of us and we are really grateful for it," Nikki Bell said.
The cheerleaders said their days will include meet and greets at various bases followed by their performances at night.
In additional to the one-of-a-kind performance, troops will also be getting support from area students. They may have not been chose for the mission, but two cheerleaders who work as school teachers collected over 1,000 letters of support from students to be sent overseas.
"They just wrote inside, 'We're supporting and praying for you,'" said cheerleader and teacher Krystal Campbell.
Madeline Kane said she is excited for the adventure, but has one minor problem.
"I have a fear of flying," she said.
But Rachel Washburn has no fears as she is a ROTC cadet who is preparing for Airborne school in the summer.
"This a dream come true to be able to go to Iraq and really give something back to the troops, a family that I am going to be part of in a couple of years, I am just so glad to experience it from this end," Rachel Washburn said.
The Eagles cheerleaders leave for Iraq on Sunday. They will spend two days travelling and ten days with the troops.
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