Thank you to PROTOUR Productions for arranging an amazing Independence Day Military Tour! This tour took place from July 3rd-July 13th in the Middle East in Djibouti, Africa and Kuwait. Alissa, third year Veteran of the MVC, attended this tour with three other NFL Cheerleaders and NBA Dancers from other teams. The tour was complete with three talented musicians in a Dueling Piano group out of Florida. There were a total of eight shows performed while on tour.
The first few days of the Tour were in Djibouti, Africa, at Camp Lemonnier and we met Captain Kevin Bertelsen. The rest of the tour was followed by a stop at the following bases in Kuwait – Camp Buehring, Virginia, LSA, Patriot, and Arifjaf. Thank you to the Commanders Wills, SSG McCurry, SGT Stritch, SGT Hammond, and SGT Harris for allowing us to have this opportunity. The MWR at each bases were phenomenal hosts, we really enjoyed working together.
On a daily basis we joined the Commander on the base for an initial meeting to discuss the history of the base, the number of troops living there, their work, activities and durations of deployments. We would meet with the troops for each meal, and stop by their designated places of work to see what a typical day is like for them. We stopped by hospitals, fire stations, and mechanic shops, took tours of Chinooks, and rode in the Humvees! Each evening, we would perform in a three-hour show with the Dueling Piano group. The Dueling Piano show is an interactive, all-request show. This was a great way to get the troops and MWR involved in the show for fun dance contests and sing-alongs. Each night, the shows were different but all equally entertaining!
This trip was an unforgettable experience and created memories to last a lifetime. Thank you to all the men and women in the Service, for all that you do, all the time you sacrifice and we hope you come back home soon!
By Alissa, 3rd year
