From cheering on NFL sidelines to defending our country’s freedom — Rachel Washburn has run the gamut by age 25.
Washburn will be honored Sunday during the Eagles-Bears matchup at Lincoln Financial Field as part of the team’s “Hometown Heroes” program for her service as an Army intelligence officer. She also happens to have been an Eagles cheerleader.
Washburn was part of the Eagles cheerleading squad from 2007-2009 while she was a student at Drexel University, before she served two tours in Afghanistan. She participated in Army ROTC at Drexel, and was commissioned a 2nd lieutenant in the Army after graduation. While on her first eight-month tour of Afghanistan, Washburn was part of a Cultural Support Team designed to help other special ops units relate more effectively with the local women, according to USA Today.
Among her achievements, Washburn once helped deliver a baby in a snowstorm. Her awards included the Bronze Star Medal, an Army Commendation Medal, a Combat Action Badge, an Airborne Badge and an Air Assault Badge.
Photo via Twitter/@B_Alexander17
