In a heartwarming gesture honoring military families and the resilience of their children, the world-famous Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) traveled to U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) Rheinland-Pfalz during the Month of the Military Child to deliver a message of unity, gratitude, and celebration. The visit served not only as a morale booster but as a powerful symbol of support for the young heroes growing up in military communities far from home.
A Cheerful Arrival: Stars in Rhineland
When the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders arrived at USAG Rheinland-Pfalz in Kaiserslautern, Germany, on a cool April morning, the buzz on base was palpable. For many military families living overseas, events that bring a taste of home can have a profound impact — and nothing embodies the spirit of Americana quite like the DCC. Known for their dazzling performances, iconic uniforms, and uplifting community outreach, the cheerleaders brought more than just pom-poms — they brought hope and joy to a tight-knit yet often overlooked segment of the military population: the children.
Dozens of school-aged kids lined up to greet them at the entrance to the garrison’s community center, waving American flags, wearing DCC-themed t-shirts, and holding hand-drawn posters that read “Thank You, Cowboys!” and “You’re Our Stars!”
The Month of the Military Child: Recognizing Resilience
April marks the Month of the Military Child, a time designated to honor the sacrifices and strength of children in military families. These young people face unique challenges — frequent relocations, parental deployments, and adapting to life in unfamiliar environments. They learn to be resilient from a young age, often maturing faster than their peers.
This year’s theme across Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools was “Military Children: Brave, Fearless, and Resilient.” The DCC’s visit to USAG Rheinland-Pfalz was organized in coordination with Armed Forces Entertainment and the garrison’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) office, aiming to amplify that message through a blend of entertainment and empowerment.
“Having the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders here is like a dream come true,” said 11-year-old Sophia Jennings, whose father is stationed in Germany with the 21st Theater Sustainment Command. “They’re so cool, and they made us feel like we’re really important.”
Meet-and-Greet: More Than Just Smiles
The cheerleaders spent several hours engaging with families during a meet-and-greet event held at the Kazabra Club on Vogelweh, where children and their parents had the chance to take photos, get autographs, and share their own stories with the visitors. Rather than treating the stop as a quick appearance, the DCC members made a point to connect personally with attendees, listening to their experiences and exchanging words of encouragement.
“Being here means so much to us,” said DCC veteran Ashlee Nobanks. “These kids are incredibly strong. We want to show them that we see them, we support them, and we’re proud of everything they’re doing to hold their families together.”
The cheerleaders came prepared not only to perform but also to educate and empower. They led a cheer clinic at the Sembach Middle School gymnasium for students ages 6–14, teaching them basic dance moves, teamwork skills, and positive self-image. One of the instructors, first-year DCC member and former dance coach Erica Thomas, emphasized the importance of giving back.
“Dance is a universal language. Even though we’re thousands of miles from Dallas, the joy and energy we’re sharing today bridges that distance,” she said.
Honoring Military Families Through Performance
The centerpiece of the visit was a special performance held in the garrison’s multi-purpose event hall. Before a packed audience of more than 400 people — including soldiers, family members, teachers, and civic leaders — the DCC dazzled with a high-energy routine set to popular American hits. But it wasn’t just entertainment; it was a celebration of the resilience of military families.
Before the performance began, USAG Rheinland-Pfalz commander Colonel Reid Furman offered opening remarks, thanking the cheerleaders and recognizing the significance of the event.
“Too often, our military children serve silently — moving from school to school, living out of suitcases, making new friends every couple of years,” he said. “Today is about celebrating them. Today, they are the VIPs.”
Following the performance, the DCC invited a group of military children onstage to teach them part of a cheer. Giggles filled the room as young participants eagerly followed along, trying to match the synchronized moves.
“It was the best day ever,” said 9-year-old Malik Howard, whose mother is deployed to the Middle East. “I got to dance with the Cowboys!”
Building Lasting Memories and Messages of Hope
One of the more emotional moments of the day came when the cheerleaders held a “gratitude circle” with a group of Gold Star children — those who have lost a parent in military service. In a quiet room away from the crowd, the DCC spent time with each child, handing out personalized cheerleader memorabilia and handwritten cards.
“No one should ever feel forgotten, especially not these brave kids,” said DCC co-captain Lexie Hull. “We’re honored to be a part of their healing journey, even if it’s just for a day.”
The outreach was also extended to local schools, including Kaiserslautern Elementary and Ramstein Intermediate School, where the cheerleaders read children’s books with empowering messages and spoke about the value of courage, kindness, and staying true to oneself in the face of change.
At each stop, the cheerleaders emphasized that while NFL game days are thrilling, nothing compares to connecting with military families.
“We perform in front of 80,000 fans at AT&T Stadium,” said DCC Director Kelli Finglass, who was also part of the visit. “But being here — seeing the smiles on these kids’ faces, hearing their stories — it reminds us why we do this. This is the most meaningful part of our job.”
A Message That Travels Home
The DCC’s trip to Germany was part of a larger tour designed to reach U.S. military installations around the globe. In past years, they’ve traveled to bases in South Korea, Japan, and even remote locations in the Middle East. These morale-boosting visits are more than PR — they’re a core part of the Dallas Cowboys’ commitment to honoring service members and their families.
For families stationed at USAG Rheinland-Pfalz, the visit marked a rare and memorable break from the routine of overseas military life.
“This is something our kids will remember forever,” said Staff Sgt. April Morales, whose two daughters attended the cheer clinic. “The DCC didn’t just come here to perform — they came here to listen, to love, and to uplift. And they did all of that.”
Even after the cheerleaders left the base, the impact of their visit lingered. Teachers reported a renewed sense of excitement among their students, and many families took to social media to post photos and share stories, tagging the Dallas Cowboys and expressing their thanks.
Looking Ahead: Continuing the Mission
As the Month of the Military Child continues to grow in national awareness, events like these remind the public of the importance of honoring the quiet strength of military families — especially the children. The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders’ visit to USAG Rheinland-Pfalz is a shining example of how sports and service can intersect to create joy and solidarity.
The garrison is already exploring ways to bring more high-profile morale and outreach programs to its residents. “This was a huge success,” said MWR community outreach coordinator Lisa Bergstrom. “We’re hoping to continue these partnerships and ensure our military families — especially the kids — know they’re not forgotten.”
For the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, the trip may have ended, but the mission continues.
“We’re taking these stories back with us to Dallas,” said Finglass. “Every cheer, every smile, every hug — it’s part of our journey now. And we’ll carry it with pride.