I was born and raised in Jacksonville, FL because my dad was in the Navy.  He got to retire when I was still young which meant he had more time for us kids and the military treated him so well even after his retirement.  My dad put me through years of dancing, cheerleading, and gymnastics with nothing but encouragement all the way up through cheering for the Jacksonville Jaguars for 6 seasons.   I like to think that I was able to pay him back by giving him and my mom season tickets for all those years!   Living so close to the military base, I always had a born interest in it, but it was not until my first overseas trip that I realized just how much sacrifice and heart our soldiers really dedicate to their jobs and our country.
 
I had the privilege to perform on 3 military tours that took me to Egypt, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Greenland.  My fondest memory was seeing an old high school classmate in Egypt.  What a small world this really is!  I loved cheering at the home games, but the military tours are what really took my experience as a NFL cheerleader to a whole new level and I am so blessed to be able to continue that love and appreciation through the Sweethearts for Soldiers!

Aside from the NFL, I graduated from college in 2002 with my Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and have been successfully involved within the insurance industry since then.  I have also been contracted several times as a Sports and Entertainment Consultant where I have helped put on events such as the Snooper Bowl, Oscar De La Hoya Boxing Match, the Ernest Wilford Golf Classic, and several concerts including big names like Snoop Dogg, Gladys Knight, and Chaka Khan.  Since I stopped cheering, I have been represented by Beyond the Field Marketing as a model and spokesperson and have appeared in numerous TV and print ads.  This is my second year as a member of the Sweethearts for Soldiers and I also take great pleasure in being an officer for the Professional Cheerleaders Alumni, Inc.  In my spare time I enjoy church and family events, attending sporting events, and working out.  I welcomed a new addition to my family on June 2, 2008.  My son Thomas was born in Jacksonville, FL and is my first child.  Thank you soldiers for allowing me to have such a wonderful life and God Bless!

Cheers,
Melissa