Hello Sweetheart Fans!  I’m a former cheerleader for the Washington Redskins Cheerleaders and I’m currently a Wizard Girl Dancer for the Washington Wizards.  I am also the proud and honored host of Operation Rising Star, a military version of American Idol.

Most people would assume that the best part about being a professional cheerleader is performing at NFL or NBA games or being recognized as a local celebrity.  For me, the most rewarding, meaningful and life changing part of being a Washington Redskins Cheerleader was going overseas to perform for, talk to, and shake the hands of you… our United States troops.  Our men and women overseas sacrifice so much for our country and sometimes never receive any recognition or a simple “Thank You.”  Volunteering for tours is my way of saying thank you, taking a piece of the U.S. over to our troops and attempting to reward them for all that they do for us.  It’s an honor to be welcomed on base to be a part of the military family, if only for a few weeks.

When I retired from the Washington Redskins Cheerleading organization, I definitely missed the fans and game day.  But I missed going on tours and giving back to our troops even more.  I joined “Sweethearts for Soldiers” because their passion is my passion too. I believe in, support and admire the Mission of this group of wonderful young woman:  “…to help raise morale and bring a touch of home to the brave men and women fighting for our freedoms.”