Tailgating For Troops

Today my husband Joe and I went with Iowa Troop Pantry and the University of Iowa Air Force ROTC to the Iowa-Michigan St football game. ... well not exactly to the game! The Air Force Cadets wanted to support the Iowa Troops deployed to Afghanistan so they had a "fill the trailer" event, in which people in the community could donate goods to fill the boxes we send overseas to the troops or donate cash which we use to purchase items. While the Cadets "manned" the trailer, Joe, LeAnn, Maria and I walked among the crazy Iowa tailgaters and collected cash. I learned when you ask "for donations" its better to be specific and small.... we asked people to donate $1.00 for the soldiers or said "$1.00 buys a soldier a chapstick"! We had an amazing response!! In just about 2 hours, we raised $287.00 !!!! WOW!! People were so generous and when we asked for $1.00, most gave us waaaay more! We had a great day and also received alot of goods. Many thanks to the U of I Air Force ROTC Cadets for supporting our troops!

Pearl Harbor Visit

My family and I went on vacation to Hawaii in October 2010, while there I knew I had to stop by the Pearl Harbor Monument.It was breathtaking and emotional. It is hard to believe such a war occurred in this beautiful location. I met some local Vets as well as some from the mainland, and had a chance to learn some more history of Pearl Harbor.
We also took time to visit the Marine Corps base. Another beautiful place! I love to visit military bases...they remind me of the family inside the gates and how proud I am to belong. We had a photo opportunity by the Iwo Jima Memorial. Around the memorial are bricks with names engraved in memory of heroes who gave their life. I happen to find one of a man from Boone, Iowa! What an honor it was to visit these touching and beautiful memorials and to also have a chance to tell people from around the US, about US Beauties and what I and my pageant are all about.