Articles

Buccaneers cheerleaders spice up Wing Night

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Shane Dunaway
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  A crowd of more than 250 Airmen, Sailors and their families packed the Top of the Rock for a performance by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleaders June 25.

Andersen is no stranger to National Football League cheerleaders. In 2009, the base has hosted the Minnesota Vikings and San Diego Chargers cheerleaders.

"When we're on this island isolated from American's conveniences, it's nice to have a slice of America come to us," said Airman 1st Class Sasha Rodriguez, 36th Wing military justice paralegal. "It definitely inspires us to push forward knowing our service is recognized and appreciated."

After their performance, the cheerleaders spent more than an hour signing autographs in the Top of the Rock foyer.

"It's truly an honor and a lifetime experience to have an opportunity to come out here and meet our troops and the Airmen who fight for our country and for us," said Jennifer Summers, a first-year captain in her seventh season as a Tampa Bay Buccaneer cheerleader. "It's truly a blessing to have this opportunity to perform and spend a little time here in Guam. Everyone has been so welcoming."

The visit also served as a reunion of sorts for Courtney Russ, a rookie cheerleader on the squad, and Equipment Operator 2nd Class Elgin Britt, a Navy Seabee, cousins who hadn't seen each other in more than two years. A phone call from her uncle and his stepdad facilitated the chance meeting.

"Once I found out I was coming to Guam, I was so excited to find out he was here," Ms. Russ said. "Our granddad was actually stationed here before, so it's pretty cool to be here now [four years later]."

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