Purrfect Angelz

Photo By Sgt. Mitch Armbruster | The Purrfect Angelz finish a routine, and the crowd overwhelms Sustainer Theater with applause at the end of the performance at LSA Anaconda.  

11.25.2005

Courtesy Story

207th Public Affairs Detachment

Five women from the Purrfect Angelz came to Iraq to entertain troops and civilians at the Sustainer Theater on Nov. 13 as a way to say thank you for all of the sacrifices that servicemembers have made to help secure freedom in Iraq.
"I've done six USO tours and I saw the impact on the Soldiers," said Lisa Ligon, founder of the Purrfect Angelz organization. "We try to make it a better situation."
Ligon, a former National Football League cheerleader for the Washington Redskins and the Dallas Cowboys, was able to visit Soldiers during United Service Organization's (USO) past tours and felt passionate about continuing to support the armed forces.
"We have received an overwhelming response from all the Soldiers, both men and women," Ligon said.
The Angels had time set aside in their busy schedules to visit injured servicemembers that couldn't see the show because they were in the hospital.
"Visiting the hospitals makes you appreciate and understand what these servicemembers are going through and the sacrifices that they are making for our freedoms," Ligon said.
The Angelz spent a few days in Iraq to perform at multiple locations across the country.
"We will continue to come over here and perform as long as you are willing to let us," Ligon yelled out to audience at the end of the show.
Ligon said that the group consists of 46 women who entertain a number of different crowds in the United States, but for all of the Angelz, performing for the troops is a truly special experience. Only five members of the team travel overseas to entertain servicemembers.
"It's hard to pick which girls are going to be a part of the tour, all of the girls deserve to come on these trips," Ligon said.
Along with Ligon, Tanea Brooks, Maggie Cash, Dani Armstrong and Amber Strausser made up the Purrfect Angelz. All of these women are professional dancers and accomplished entertainers. The show consisted of a fun, high energy dance and music routine.
"The show was very, very, good. I came to see a movie and got to see this instead, which was a pleasant surprise," said Spc. Ben Coveyou, Co. B 2127-32nd Infantry Brigade. Coveyou is a National Guard Soldier from Green Bay, Wis. and provides security for combat logistics patrols.
"We appreciate them coming and it really boosts morale. It helped to boost my morale," Coveyou said.
"I loved the show," said 1st Lt. Joshua Jonas an Air Force munitions officer. "I think it's great having MWR being involved with the troops by bringing entertainment overseas especially around the holidays."
By the end of their tour, The Purrfect Angelz's had given the troops in Iraq a small piece of home during their deployment.

• Date Taken: 11.25.2005
• Date Posted: 11.25.2005 08:17
• Story ID: 3857