Philly Cheerleader Also a Soldier Honored on Sunday

(CNN) -- Rachel Washburn once carried pompoms. Now she carries an M4 carbine.

The military brat who became an NFL cheerleader is today a first lieutenant in the United States Army.

On Sunday, she was honored as a Hometown Hero by the Philadelphia Eagles, the team she cheered for from 2007 to 2009.

The Bronze Star recipient served two tours of duty in Afghanistan, including one as a member of the Army's new Cultural Support Program.

It was a dangerous and stressful job, where she would go on missions with special operations forces and help search and talk to Afghan women and children.

"We could be their voice during missions for engagement to ensure security on objectives, and we could help search and secure the females and the children during missions," she told the Philadelphia Eagles website.

Nothing screams freedom and AMERICA like a football cheerleader going to war in Afghanistan and getting a bronze star.

Thank you Rachel Washburn, for your courage and for providing some great eye candy while fighting Al-Qaeda at the same time.

The Al-Qaeda guys must have spontaneously combusted at the sight of a hot female carrying a gun and reading to kids. Complete 180 from what they allow their women to do.

BONUS:

Oh my God.

3, 2, 1, 4, 5

We don't negotiate with goats.