| The New England Patriots cheerleaders will bring their high-energy entertainment to troops stationed in Ecuador, February 12-16. The group's variety show includes energetic dance routines, good old rock and roll and lots of audience interaction. The Patriots Cheerleaders are well-known for igniting the fans' spirits in Gillette Stadium on game days, but their dedication to serving as goodwill ambassadors extends far beyond performing at the Patriots' games.
Although this is the group's first Armed Forces Entertainment tour, the cheerleaders are seasoned veterans at going overseas to perform for the U.S. military. "We began performing for U.S. troops stationed overseas right after 9/11 with our Citizen Patriot Tour," said Tracy Sormanti, Cheerleader Director for the group. "We have the privilege of wearing the red, white and blue of America's team and nothing is more fitting than for us to go overseas to visit the REAL patriots who are serving our country. We want to put on a terrific show for our servicemen and women to enjoy. To be able to put a smile on their faces is a wonderful opportunity."
Members of the squad have performed for soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and coastguardsmen in more than 25 countries since 9/11. Previous tours have taken these cheerleading professionals to Europe, the Pacific Rim and Southwest Asia, where they have performed with such renowned entertainers as Clint Black and Al Franken, Restless Heart, Hootie and the Blowfish and Blues Traveler.
"Unless you actually go overseas and see firsthand the sacrifices that our troops make on a daily basis, you may not appreciate all that they do for our country," said Sormanti. "We have so much respect for the men and women in our armed services --to us, it is just incredible what they are capable of doing. It's our job to come back home and tell everybody about all that they do to ensure our safety and our freedom."
"The New England Patriots Cheerleaders put on a terrific show that is entertaining and very interactive," said Armed Forces Entertainment circuit manager for the Caribbean, Marine Coprs Captain Jamie Fleischhacker. "The energy and enthusiasm they bring to their performance is sure to lift everyone's spirits. What makes their visit even more special is how much they enjoy spending time visiting with and getting to know our servicemen and women who are far from home."
###
Armed Forces Entertainment is the lead Department of Defense agency for providing entertainment to U.S. military personnel serving overseas, with priority given to those in contingency operations and at remote and isolated locations. The Department of the Air Force is the executive agent of Armed Forces Entertainment. Founded in 1951, Armed Forces Entertainment brings a touch of home to more than 500,000 troops annually, embracing the best of Americana that stretches across all genres of entertainment. Visit www.armedforcesentertainment.com for more information.
To learn more about the New England Patriots cheerleaders, visit www.patriots.com/cheerleaders/.
|
