Broncos fans!
The Broncos season has certainly come to a close, however football season is well on its way to the game football fans anticipate year-round. Super Bowl XLII in Arizona is just around the corner and the contenders are being decided as we speak.
Oddly enough, my father played in the Super Bowl almost 40 years ago with the Minnesota Vikings against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl IV. (Check out the ring and ticket: http://www.nfl.com/superbowl/history/ringandticket/sbiv.) Unfortunately the Vikings suffered a loss that day, but that doesn’t change the fact that my father is a part of Super Bowl history — and that is a beautiful thing!
When the Denver Broncos Cheerleaders traveled to Canton, Ohio to celebrate John Elway’s induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004, I walked wide-eyed through a facility where football fans could spend hours. Athleticism, integrity and legacy are all under one roof. I could smell the passion, the fire, and the hits. The trophy case that holds every Super Bowl ring in existence gives prestige to the sport. That was a great day.
This year for Super Bowl Sunday, I won’t be in Denver; as a matter of fact, 14 of the Denver Broncos Cheerleaders won’t be in Denver. Our team has been selected to attend another Armed Forces Entertainment tour (similar to USO), where we will perform in Hawaii, Japan and Guam for our troops overseas.
We are humbled to have been selected; we are eager to shake the hands of our heroes and we are so grateful for the gift and opportunity. This will be the fourth tour that I have been on with the Denver Broncos Cheerleaders and the sixth tour of the DBC as a team.
Our team chaplain says, “Service is one of the most selfish things you can do; it just feels so good, you keep going back for more.” Isn’t that true? Each and every trip has been individual, each trip has been unique, and each trip has been an eye-opening experience that has invited us into the lives of our friends, our heroes, and most importantly our American soldiers. It is incredible.
We leave on Wednesday morning and are not slated to return until Feb. 6. This is the longest tour we have ever been on — a 21-day tour. Our show is ready to go, and our focus is on the soldiers.
I will keep you posted on our travels.
I wish all of you many blessings and great fortune in 2008! Happy New Year, Broncos country!
Many Blessings,
Keela
Tags: Armed Forces Entertainment Tour, Charitable work, John Elway, Overseas Trips
Hi Keela,
I think it’s great that you and so many of your teammates are going on tour to visit our troops. I can’t think of a better way for the Broncos to say “thank you” nor can I think of a visit that the troops would enjoy more than you and your teammates.
Personally I’m not surprised that the Bronco cheerleaders were selected. I’m sure there are many fine young women among other squads around the NFL, but to me, the Bronco cheerleaders are, and have always been, the best of the best.
Hope you have a safe trip and give our love to all the troops.
Don
Hi Don,
Thank you for all of your comments–your sincerity is greatly appreciated. We are very excited to have this upcoming opportunity and I can’t believe we already leave on Wednesday. We had a dress rehearsal for family and friends on Saturday evening at the stadium, and it was encouraging to “test the show out” on our family to see their thoughts and reactions–I think this is a one of a kind show that the troops will really enjoy, and we are ready to start bringing a little bit of Broncos country to those who haven’t seen it in a while…maybe even convert a few for next season! I hope your New Year is off to a great start!
Take care,
Keela
I want to say thank you for coming to see our troops. I am here in Baghdad and really hope my mission allows me to see all of you. GO BRONCOS!
I also thank you for supporting the troops. I am stationed in Honduras. Keep up the good work!! GO BRONCOS!!!
You’re right about the Hall of Fame. It’s a magnificent place, and when I go back there, I’ll take time to glance over everything I can. Meanwhile, thanks again for all of your selflessness and may you continually receive much good in life.
Give them a mile high salute for all of us.
Hey Keela! I had fun driving you girls around Hawaii today. Take care of yourself and good luck in Japan!
Mac
Hello everyone!
I have updated my blog with our recent tour adventures. To every soldier who has posted a blog–thank you. Thank you for your dedication to our country. We support you and your families and we are forever grateful for your devout service.
Superchop–Thanks for the “Mile High Salute” reminder–I will be sure and pass along the tradition to our friends abroad.
I have enjoyed reading all of your comments and will try to write again soon!
Take care & many blessings!
Keela