'Purrfect Angels' perform for troops

JALALABAD, AFGHANISTAN

04.23.2007

Courtesy Story

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO

By Army Pfc. Daniel M. Rangel
22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

JALALABAD AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Members of the Purrfect Angels dance team paid tribute to troops serving in and around Jalalabad Airfield with a performance April 11 in the Jalalabad dining facility.

During the performance, the Purrfect Angels did a number of dance routines and sang a number of songs including "Take Another Little Piece of My Heart" and "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk."

Every member of the Purrfect Angels is "All-American," and the team colors are red, white and blue. The "cheerleaders" served to remind the troops that Americans are rooting for them; their families are rooting for them; and most importantly, so is that special someone back home.

The Purrfect Angels have been to Iraq three times as a group to root on the troops, but this was their first time in Afghanistan and it's not going without notice.

Maggie "Cash" Hatfield, one of the team's four performers, has been to Iraq to entertain the troops twice.

"We want to let them know that we don't forget about them and that we love and appreciate their sacrifice and what they do for our country." Hatfield said.

Included in the show was a tap dancing routine the Angels performed while wearing World War II-era dance outfits. Hatfield explained the different outfits worn by the performers and how they are chosen.

"When we come overseas we definitely like to do a patriotic theme. That was our Boogie Woogie," said Hatfield. "We like to give a full, well- rounded show that can appeal to people who like all kinds of music, (appeal to) men and women who can appreciate good dancers and singers."

"You have to love to travel. You cannot be a diva in any way shape or form. No princesses allowed because we do everything from staying at the four star hotels to living in the Army barracks," Hatfield said.

Army Sgt. Kurt Hine, Echo Company, 710th Brigade Support Battalion, from Rochester, N.Y., also remembered the "World War II-era Boogie Woogie" dancer who certainly left the crowd wanting more.

"It was good but it was short. I wish it were longer," Hine said.

Hine missed a chance to see the Washington Redskins cheerleaders who were here a few weeks earlier. Like so many others, he was out on a mission.

All of the Angels are Americans. There are about 50 in total, four of whom put on the show.

After the show, the performers hung out with the troops to take photos and sign autographs for their new fans.

• Date Taken: 04.23.2007
• Date Posted: 04.23.2007 12:58
• Story ID: 10069
• Location: JALALABAD, AF