MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders marked their 50th United Services Organization tour with a stop aboard the Station Dec. 31-Jan. 2.
According to Gil Azam, Sasebo USO director, these tours are part of a support system that lets service members know their efforts are not forgotten back home.
"I think seeing a friendly face you can recognize as a signature of home can really uplift our service members spirits," Azam said.
With a schedule filled with events, "America's Sweethearts" wasted no time on their two-day trip.
"We wanted to meet as many service members as we could as well as put on a little clinic for the young cheerleaders in the community," said Marnie Pizzitola, choreographer and assistant tour manager. "The Iwakuni cheerleaders were better than we thought they would be. We were really impressed."
After the clinic, the cheerleaders spent time at the Southside Mess Hall and then the flight line where they were shown a static display of two aircraft and signed autographs and took pictures.
"This was my first tour, and I thought it was amazing," said Amy Jo McKinley, first year Cowboys cheerleader. "The Station really rolled out the red carpet for us."
The tour was later capped off with a live performance at the IronWorks Gym.
In front of a large crowd, the cheerleaders showed a variety of dances while involving the crowd in a few of their numbers.
"The cheerleaders were a lot of fun, and it really meant something that they came all this way to show us they appreciate what we do," said Lance Cpl. Travis Gonzales, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron Crash Fire Rescue fireman.
After the show the cheerleaders made their way to the clubs on the Station to wish service members a happy New Year.
"People asked me if it's hard to do these tours during the holidays, but what they don't realize is that it's a privilege to spend them with the people who protect our lives," said Pizzitola.