[ngg_images source=”galleries” container_ids=”215″ display_type=”photocrati-nextgen_basic_imagebrowser” ajax_pagination=”1″ template=”/home4/southxb7/public_html/wp-content/plugins/nextgen-gallery/products/photocrati_nextgen/modules/ngglegacy/view/imagebrowser-caption.php” order_by=”sortorder” order_direction=”ASC” returns=”included” maximum_entity_count=”500″]By Jacie Scott
Just weeks ago, I participated in my first Veteran’s Day Parade in Dallas. Not as basic Jacie Scott, but as a USA Cheerleader… and it felt pretty darn amazing.
We marched behind representatives from the Dallas chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, and they proved to be wonderful leaders for us. We mingled with children in the crowds, waved at onlookers and danced to the music playing from our Vietnam War Jeep. Most importantly, we personally thanked the men and women who serve/have served our country. It was a fun morning, to say the least.
“Who do you guys cheer for? So, like…what do you guys do?”
I heard questions of the sort at least 37 times that day, and that’s fair considering the Texas Division of the USA Cheerleaders was just established this year. But, I can give you the answer straight out of the mouth of the Director and former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, Jessica Kalil:
So many sports teams have cheerleaders, fans, dancers, jerseys and monuments made after them. Why not have similar support groups, such as cheerleaders and dancers, to promote and support the military who fight for us everyday? When I told that to Taya Kyle [widow of US Navy SEAL Chris Kyle], she told me that I gave her the chills because it’s true. We want to inspire and instill hope in veterans and current military men and women, let them know we’re here for them, and this is the way we know how to do it.
The USA Cheerleaders were established in 2003 and began operations in 2005. Founder Ken Martin envisioned a volunteer group of women that focused on the military and their families. The mission has since grown to include first responders, children’s charities and citizens, in general.
When the Texas division was introduced, Kalil envisioned the organization being a way for dancers to use their talents for a cause greater than them. They appear at fundraisers, volunteer at various events (a la Veterans Day parade), send care packages and write letters to soldiers, etc. Whatever is needed.
“It’s not meant to be a high-strung overwhelming organization to be a part of. It’s supposed to feel good, easy, and like your helping,” she said. “If girls come to one rehearsal a week because that’s all the time they have to volunteer, then we take it, love it and appreciate it. It’s a great way to sty involved, still have a sisterhood, and still feel good about giving back to your country.”
Which brings me back to the parade. Kalil should be proud of the presence the cheerleaders had and the impact that they made. One of the guys from the SAR group that marched in front of us sent a letter to her thanking us for taking the time to pose for photos with his group. He went on to say that they had “the pleasure of marching in front of and brief camaraderie with your pleasant and professional ladies.”
That’s who the USA Cheerleaders are.
For further information on the USA Cheerleaders Texas Division, email jessicakalil@usacheerleaders.org
