Air Force officer cheers for St. Louis Rams

Published Nov. 22, 2013
By Airman Megan Friedl
375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- As the NFL season heads into the Thanksgiving season, fans of the St. Louis Rams may catch a glimpse of Air Force officer Michelle Kolcun as she cheers for the team from the sidelines.

Kolcun, a captain who works for the 375th Medical Group at Scott Air Force Base as a healthcare manager, was selected to be a cheerleader for Rams and has been supporting the team during home games since June.

"My military duties come first, and I've been fortunate that the Air Force has been flexible in allowing me to participate in cheerleading. Along with the games are community outreach events that I participate in," she said. "My outlet for stress is dance, and just like anyone who has a hobby, it's a great pick me up and way to take my mind off the rigors of a full time job. People are a little surprised that I'm able to balance both, but these areas actually complement each other."

She said teamwork, standardization, physical fitness, leadership and always having a professional image are important in both jobs. Also, being a good wingman and teammate is needed in both her work life and on the cheer team.

"From cheering on this team I have also learned to never underestimate the level of preparedness that is needed at all times," she said.

Kolcun began dance at a young age and practiced ballet throughout elementary and high school. Selected to attend the Air Force Academy, she was soon recruited and tried out for the cheerleading squad there. She made it onto the team as a freshman, which laid the foundation for her cheerleading skills.

While stationed at Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, she tried out for the Steelhead ice hockey girl's team--her first taste of semi-professional cheerleading. From there she cheered for the Boise Burn, an arena football team. Then at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas, she made the San Antonio Spurs cheer squad. Now at Scott she said she is excited to be cheering for the St. Louis Rams.

"Cheerleading, especially professionally, means being a good role model, and being an ambassador in the community both for the Air Force and the organization," said Kolcun. "I really do enjoy crushing the stereotype that military officers can't be feminine and the stereotype that cheerleaders can't be smart and professional."

Capt. Angel Vargus who works with Kolcun said it's a win-win for the office having her on the team because "she brings a lot of energy to work" and is dedicated to not only the office, but the base as well. Kolcun has also been serving as the co-chair for this year's Combined Federal Campaign, which raises thousands of dollars each year for charities with the CFC umbrella.

Fans can see Kolcun cheering during the Rams' home game this Sunday, and then two more home games on Dec. 15 and 22. Kolcun will be deployed during tryouts for next year, but said she still hopes to perform on the team again in 2014.

Check out the video interview of the captain on Scott's YouTube page here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjo8RIpwxpM&feature=share&list=UUFfwTHdTBDrY_ZYDkx0zFMg.