Eagles Honor Cheerleader-Turned-Soldier

We can’t believe Hollywood won’t come calling on this story: The Eagles on Sunday night honored Rachel Washburn—a former Eagles cheerleader who enlisted in the Army—as a “hometown hero.”

Since joining the military out of college, Rachel has had a highly decorated career. At the age of 25, she has already been awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation Medal and the Combat, Airborne and Air Assault Badges. She also helped deliver a baby during a snow storm, taking instructions from military medics via radio.

“Rachel really is the epitome of an American hero, which is why we are looking forward to Sunday night’s game when we will have the opportunity to acknowledge her bravery and thank her for the sacrifices she has made to serve and protect,” said Barbara Zaun, the Eagles’ director of cheerleading. “It will be very special for me to see her honored as our Hometown Hero after working so closely with her during her time as a cheerleader.”

After two tours of Afghanistan, Washburn is now stationed as a platoon leader in Georgia.