CHESAPEAKE - Christi Ray is used to being out in front, but her work behind the camera may be the most impressive.

Ray, the Green elementary Math teacher who doubles as Cincinnati Bengals cheerleader, was a member of a USO Tour that visited United States military troops March 8-22.

During a stop in Kosovo, fellow Bengal cheerleader Kristen got a chance to reunite with her brother who was stationed in the country. Ray took the opportunity to film the chance reunion that has separated the siblings for more than a year.

"When we walked into the airport, Brandon was behind a glass window and 20 other U.S. guys behind him. He put his hands on the window and he's beating on the window. Kristen runs up and puts her hands on the window where his are at and he puts his up. Then she ran behind the window and the two hugged. It was so wonderful," Ray said.

"I had the camera and I was filming everything. It was some really great footage."

The Bengal cheerleaders' USO trip will be featured Thursday morning on the ABC television show "Good Morning, America."

Only 12 members from the squad were chosen including Ray who is in her first season.

Ray got a call Wednesday night from "Good Morning, America." She said the show wants to focus on her footage.

However, Ray probably won't make the show. She's back at work and hates to miss another day of school.

"The people at school have been so kind to me. Our principal (David Hopper) was willing to let me go again, but I'm not going to," Ray said.

The USO tour included stops in Kosovo, Bosnia, Australia, France and Croatia. Ray said the cheerleaders were escorted by military personnel throughout the visit.

"It was the best experience of my life," Ray said. "I'd go back in a heartbeat. They've already asked us back in August. They were the most responsive and appreciative audiences I've ever experienced."

The cheerleaders did a show each night during the 14-day tour aimed at boosting morale. Ray said servicemen were not only appreciative, but inspiring.

"You could look out and see the pride in the soldiers' eyes. We were doing a chorus line and I see a huge American flag painted on the wall, and the men were standing and clapping and their eyes were gleaming with pride. When we got to the part where we spelled 'USA,' they were all chanting 'U-S-A, U-S-A.'

"I've performed before thousands at Paul Brown Stadium, and there was never a response like we got. I've never seen that kind of emotion. Words can't describe it."

Additional information about Ray's trip along with photographs will appear Sunday.