Hello to everyone back home!

After 24 hours of travel, we made it to Afghanistan! Washington Redskins Cheerleaders reporting for Drop Split Duty (DSD)! On our first day we flew S-61s to Fob Lightning, where we performed for the troops. This was the first time many of us flew in a helicopter. We couldn't be more excited to bring smiles to the troops. At Lightning, I received my first military patch. It was very special because it belonged to CSM McFall; the patch was an American flag he wore on many tours. After performing and mingling with the troops at Lightning, we went back to Bagram and performed our second show at the Clamshell.

On day two, we flew Blackhawks to Fob Fenty, where we performed our third show outside, near the flight line. Then, we went back to Bagram and visited the Medevac team and the troops at Craig Hospital. Later, we went shopping at a local Bazaar with General Poppas and got Afghan scarves! Meeting General Poppas was very special to me because he deployed with the 101st with my fiancé in Iraq in 2008. At the end of the day, we also met MG McConville. He presented us with an Air Assault certificate for our visit, which made us feel very honored and appreciated for participating in this tour.

This trip has been an amazing experience. It gives me a great appreciation for what the troops do to make the world a better place. The girls and I have a very special place in our hearts for America's military. God Bless the USA!

Love,
Laura