team,” Brandt said. She decided she wanted to learn how to twirl a rifle instead. From there, she asked for help and instruction from other color guards and formed a group of girls in their early teens who would come to understand that Tuesday night was practice. No excuses. Boyfriends? They’d have to wait.
“In the beginning, I would use pennies to show the girls the formations, moving them around on a table to show them what to do,” Brandt said of the early days. “Now, it’s a team effort. I tell them where they need to wind up, and they have to figure out how to get there.” The Eagles Elite’s first competition was in 2002, which started a long and successful career of award- winning routines. In addition to competition, they have performed at military reunions, during Veterans Week in Branson, Missouri, and even gone to Washington, D.C., for the groundbreaking of the World War II Memorial. “I wanted us to stay military-oriented,” Brandt said. The team performs for many military and veterans groups, as well as in parades.
She explained that over the years, the girls (now women and half of them Auxiliary members) have met an impressive array of military heroes and political officials. When they were younger, they didn’t know the significance of who they were meeting. Now, they realize the incredible opportunities that have
come with being a part of the Eagles Elite.
“When we started, I never guessed we’d do what we’ve done or see what we’ve seen,” Brandt said. There are ten members of the team, ages 18-54, nine of whom were at the National Convention when they were named champions in their division. There are no auditions, as Brandt has never turned away anyone who wanted to try. Of new members, she says about half of them stay. Someone may come in shy and awkward, but they leave with a whole new outlook.
“They have such a confidence, not only as a member of this team but in public speaking and their presence. They don’t want to be the weakest link on their team, so they work really hard to be good.” Some might say color guards and drill teams are practicing a dying art, but Brandt believes it’s an important skill to pass on. “I really think the young need
this today,” she said, explaining that the benefits they gain are the ability to work hard as a team, develop confidence in public through performing and have the opportunity to see different places.
Beyond what it does for the individual, there is more to them than winning and performing. “We’ve been together for a while now and seen each other through the tough times,” Brandt said. “We’re a family.” n CSD
more than competition. ” JANUARY 2011 31
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