We arrived at Sea-Tac Airport at 4:30 a.m. in preparation for our 6:00 a.m. flight to Dallas, and then onto Killeen, TX. Our gracious hosts, Pat McGhee and Birgit Bingham greeted us, along with 101-degree heat!

We quickly headed out to different bases for surprise visits to the soldiers. We met so many wonderful people from all over the United States and even met some hometown people from Washington State.

One of our visits was to the tank simulators in which we were instructed on how to notice, identify and destroy approaching enemy vehicles. Once we got over the claustrophobic feeling of being inside these tiny simulators, we felt as if we were in real tanks driving and firing missiles!

Another one of our stops was to visit the soldiers out in the field, no more simulators but on to the real tanks. They took us for rides in these seven-ton monsters, and don’t let the size fool you, these things are fast! A few of us were a little jumpy out there due to the fact that there were grasshoppers and snakes, but nonetheless we thoroughly enjoyed our visit with the soldiers. We were each given an MRE (Meals Ready to Eat). A couple of Dance Team members tried on the extremely heavy gear the soldiers have to wear, and we were sweating in a matter of minutes. I cannot imagine having to wear that gear all day in the grueling heat, but the soldiers didn’t flinch. They just say it’s part of the job. As if we didn’t already know, these are true heroes!

Next we were off to the 21st Cavalry Brigade (Air Combat Unit). There we got to climb into and learn how to operate the Apache and Blackhawk helicopters.

Our last stop that evening was to the Officer’s Club where we once again surprised the soldiers by dropping by to say hello and give away autographed posters. We spontaneously performed a couple of routines on the dance floor, but the DJ was not letting us out of there until we learned to line-dance. What did we expect? We were in Texas! We quickly picked up on the style and got into the groove. All we were missing were cowboy hats and boots.

The next morning we visited 1st Cavalry Museum and received quite the history lesson on the tanks, vehicles, and helicopters on display. The museum collects, preserves, exhibits, and educates the general public on the past 150 years of cavalry and unit history.

We made a stop at the Fort Hood Hospital and spent time with some of the soldiers who felt up to visitors. We also met some of the newest little soldiers as we visited the maternity ward. The Fort Hood Fire Department was next on our list. The firemen helped us into their gear, which weighed more than us. We received a tour of the station and each received our own fire helmets, which we asked the firemen to autograph for us.

That Saturday afternoon was spent in the PX (Post Exchange), which is the large shopping facility for the soldiers and family on the base. We changed into costumes and signed posters for several hours, making sure every single visitor received an autographed poster.

Our last evening was spent at Phantom Lanes Bowling Alley. We got to relax and just hang out. We didn’t stay out too late knowing we needed to be packed and in the lobby the next morning at 4:30 am!

We had a phenomenal time, and all of us agreed that the weekend went by too fast. We are ever so grateful to the soldiers at Fort Hood, and to our soldiers everywhere for all they do to keep this country safe. Our visit was just our small way of saying THANK YOU!! Another thanks to our hosts Pat, Birgit, and Tim for their hospitality and to everyone who played a part in The Sonics Dance Team’s visit to Fort Hood. We hope to visit again soon!