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As a sea of children stood on the basketball court timidly waiting, music began playing. Suddenly, six Kansas City Chiefs cheerleaders ran out and grabbed hands and led a conga line to kick off the event.
Though they usually show their support for the Chiefs football team, several Kansas City cheerleaders took the time to display their thanks and support for the members of the KMC when they taught a cheerleading clinic Oct. 11 at the Ramstein Southside Fitness Center.
“It’s important for me personally, because I come from a military background,” said Krystal, an eight-year Kansas City Chiefs veteran cheerleader. “My mom and dad were both in the Army. I have been on that side where they both have been away. I remember missing them. I understand what the families are going through.”
The event focused on children between the ages of 5 and 17. Children got to learn several techniques from the cheerleaders, including kicks and jumps.
“I’m a dance teacher back home, so it’s kind of a comfort zone to get in there and do a dance clinic just to see their eyes light up,” said Hayley, a four-year Kansas City Chiefs veteran cheerleader. “Some of them are far away from home. I had kids in there saying, ‘I’m from Kansas!’ It’s neat that we get to bring a piece of home back to them.”
After the cheerleading clinic, the six cheerleaders took a trip to the Kaiserslautern Military Community Center, where they held a meet and greet and performed a variety show.
Though the Chiefs cheerleaders have made several tours with the USO and Armed Forces Entertainment, this trip was organized through the Army and Air Force Exchange Service.
“It’s always a great event to have them come and support the troops,” said Page Clark, KMCC sales and merchandise manager. “Also, the families are very important. Having their morale boosted also helps the military members feel their families are being supported while they are serving overseas.”
The cheerleaders will visit five bases in Germany before heading to the United Kingdom.
