Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders bring holiday spirit to Osan

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Michael Battles
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders visited Osan Air Base to deliver holiday cheer Dec. 20 as part of their 73rd USO tour.

During their visit, the 12-member team visited with Airmen and some of their younger cheerleading fans, held a free performance, signed autographs and posed for pictures with Osan members.

"It's a huge honor to come over here," said Melissa Kellerman, Dallas Cowboys cheerleader. "I'm a military brat, so that's my motivation for trying out for the show team and traveling with the USO."

For more than three decades the DCC have spent their holidays with troops overseas rather than their own families.

"I miss being with my family during the holidays, but it's a great opportunity being out here performing for the service members," she said.

Kellerman whose father was stationed at Osan as a pilot is a fourth year DCC and is participating in her first USO tour.

Airman Logan Kreger, 51st Force Support Squadron food service specialist, said the performance was a definite morale boost and a great experience during the holidays.

Crystal Wood, an Osan spouse, said her daughter loved the experience of meeting the cheerleaders firsthand.

"It really gave the younger girls a closer look at what (the cheerleaders) do," she said. "These cheerleaders are really showing that you can set a positive example and be a role model for today's youth."

"It was awesome to get their autographs," said Ava Wood, age 6. "Now I can tell everyone back home I got a chance to meet the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders."

During their holiday tour of the Pacific, the DCC held six free performances and visited 21 installations.

"This is just a little thank you from us to you," Kellerman said. "I know firsthand all the sacrifices service members and their families make serving our country."

According to the official USO website, the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders are the most travelled of the USO entertainers and have been supporting service members in countries such as Afghanistan, Bahrain, Belgium, Cuba, Germany, Iceland, Iraq, Japan, South Korea, Kuwait and the United Kingdom since 1979.

For more information on tours hosted by the USO, visit www.uso.org.