Navy Reservist Achieves Dream of Becoming an NFL Cheerleader

Aug. 25, 2025 |

By Tyler Grimes, Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Jacksonville 

As the NFL prepares to launch another exciting season, one Navy Reserve sailor is preparing for her own big debut.

Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Alexis Gloster, a logistics specialist assigned to Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Jacksonville, Florida, will step onto the sidelines this year as one of the newest members of the Jacksonville Jaguars cheerleading squad.

For Gloster, the accomplishment represents the fulfillment of a lifelong dream — one she has worked toward while balancing the demands of military service.

"After serving five years on active duty, I wanted the flexibility to pursue other dreams while still serving my country," said Gloster, who has now served a total of nine years in the Navy. "The Navy Reserve has given me the best of both worlds — remaining part of something bigger than myself while continuing to grow personally and professionally."

One of those dreams was professional cheerleading.

"I've loved performing and cheerleading for as long as I can remember," she said. "Becoming an NFL cheerleader was a way to share that passion on a huge stage while also making a positive impact in the community."

Earlier this year, the Fort Lauderdale, Florida, native auditioned for the Jaguars cheer squad. The process was rigorous, stretching across multiple rounds and lasting two weeks.

"We had to learn and perform choreography under pressure, complete an interview and stand out among more than 300 candidates," she recalled. "It really pushed me to be the best version of myself every single day. When I was selected, it made the moment even more special. It was intense but so rewarding."

Now, with the NFL preseason underway, Gloster is focused on balancing her Navy Reserve duties with the commitments of cheerleading on a national stage.

"It's definitely a balancing act, but the discipline and time management I've learned in the Navy help me stay on top of both," she said. "When you love what you're doing in both worlds, it makes the hard work worth it."

For Gloster, her role with the Jaguars is about more than performing in front of thousands of fans on Sundays.

"It's bigger than the field — it's about inspiring others, representing an incredible organization and connecting with people in meaningful ways," she said. "I feel so proud to wear both uniforms, the Navy's and the Jaguars'. They represent two very different worlds, but both are built on teamwork, dedication and heart."

Capt. Roger Dubé, Navy Reserve NAVSUP FLC Jacksonville commanding officer, said Gloster's role as a professional cheerleader could help with the Navy's recruiting efforts and set a good example for other Navy reservists to pursue their dreams.

"[She] is one of our unit's hard-chargers and also serves as our command fitness leader," Dubé said. "She is humble about her achievements as I was unaware of her selection as a professional cheerleader. We're looking forward to seeing her lead the games' crowds with her vibrant smile and energy."

As she looks ahead to her first season as an NFL cheerleader while continuing to serve in the Navy, Gloster hopes her story will motivate others to keep reaching for their goals.

"I hope my story shows others that you don't have to choose just one dream — you can chase them all," she said.

Guard Members Partner With Local Authorities to Render Life-Saving Aid in Multiple Incidents

 

Aug. 26, 2025 

By Army Master Sgt. Whitney Hughes  

"It was chaotic — people were running and screaming," said Army Staff Sgt. Zachary Graham, a member of the South Carolina National Guard assigned to the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force, Joint Task Force District of Columbia.

Moments earlier, a man had been struck by a train and thrown across a Washington Metro station platform in Washington, Aug. 20. Graham and his fellow soldiers, all members of the 4th Battalion, 118 Infantry Regiment, immediately secured the scene, called 911 and assisted first responders in rendering first aid, ultimately reviving the man to the point that he was conscious and moving when EMTs transported him.

"Everybody was panicking but able to keep a clear head and make the phone call to 911 to get an ambulance on the way," said Army Spc. Nicholas Garrison, who was on patrol with Graham at the NoMa-Gallaudet U Metro station. "Our presence was important for getting him help as quickly as possible."

This was one of several life-threatening incidents in the past week where members of the task force were first on the scene to provide aid to local citizens and assist local authorities.

In an event at Union Station, two D.C. Army National Guard military police officers were conducting a joint patrol with the Amtrak Police Department, Aug. 15, when they encountered an unconscious man.

Army Sgt. Jay Whited, a team leader assigned to the 372nd Military Police Battalion, said the man appeared to have fainted and did not look well. They resuscitated him and contacted emergency services. Whited said the police suspected the man was experiencing a narcotic overdose and asked the guard members to help secure the scene while they administered naloxone, a medication used to reverse the effects of opiates.

"We are pretty uniquely positioned here, like all National Guard units, but even more so because it's D.C. and it's so small," he said. "We are uniquely experienced as well, and we integrate with local agencies well because we have done it so many times."

In addition to the metro incidents, guard members intervened during the assault of a U.S. Park Police officer, alerted the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department to a man brandishing a knife and making verbal threats at the Waterfront Washington Metro station and helped the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration locate a missing child in southwest Washington.

Army Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard, interim commanding general of the D.C. National Guard, stated that approximately 2,000 guard members are supporting the task force and providing critical assistance to local law enforcement officers. 

"The members of the District of Columbia National Guard are highly trained and capable of assisting our interagency partners to keep our district safe," he said.