That’s right, one of your Soldiers could be the next Miss America. Sergeant Jill Stevens of 1st Battalion, 211th Aviation Regiment from the Utah National Guard is competing for the title of Miss America 2008. I happen to know SGT Stevens, we served together in Afghanistan and she was a huge supporter of Operation Shoe Fly. She went to the hospital every Sunday that she was available to help deliver shoes and other donations to the Afghan children.
Then Specialist Stevens visits Afghan children being treated at the Egyptian Hospital on Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan.
Photo courtesy U.S. Army
SGT Stevens, aka Miss Utah, has started a blog to chronicle her journey to the Miss America Pageant.
The divide between Soldier and beauty queen, beret and tiara, evening gown and Army combat uniform, is not so vast to Sgt. Stevens.
“To me, they go hand in hand. The military wants people to get an education, to be fit and, above all, to serve. It’s the same with Miss America. They also want you to be educated; they also promote fitness; and the biggest part is service. Both teach you to be leaders.”
Which title best suits her?
“Oh, definitely the Soldier,” she said. “I show up to my Miss Utah events in uniform. In parades, I’m in uniform instead of an evening gown to show that this is who I am.”
I cannot imagine a more fitting candidate for the title of Miss America. And if memory serves me, she has a pretty good singing voice too. Good luck Sergeant Stevens, you’ve got an Army of supporters pulling for you. Sgt Hook out.
Posted by Hook @ 1735 zulu | | Permalink
This post is filed under: Army Times & The Soldier
