Crowning Opportunities~Mrs. Iowa United States All World Beauties 2011

NATIONALS!!!

2011-07-08T14:51:00.000-07:00

The time is finally here, NATIONALS!! I am so excited to be here and be part of such an amazing pageant system!! This pageant has changed my life so much and made me a better person.....I hope I am blessed with the opportunity to reach out to other woman and encourage them to take a step toward reaching for their dreams, believing in themselves and also encouraging communities to support our Armed Forces! Its all in God's hands...... one of my favorite sayings, If He brings you to it, He will bring you through it!! I believe this with all my heart! Here's to a great time at Nationals and the chance to make my dream come true!!

2011-07-05T11:51:00.000-07:00

This has been a very fun week for me, I made 9 appearances in a week, I volunteered 37.5 hours in communities across my state and met 100s of new friends!! THIS is what getting to be MRS. IOWA IS ALL ABOUT!!!

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My kids, to Amber, Adam, Reagan, Zachary, and Emily - Thank you so much to you all for your patience, love, support and flexibility as I follow my dream! The hard work and dedication you all put toward your school work and sports and Amber...to your dedication of working full time and taking care of beautiful Laila, you are an example to me of how to reach your dreams. Although I have the title of Mrs. Iowa.....my favorite title is MOM! I love you all!

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Mrs. Iowa with husband Joe and our Army buddies we do community volunteer work with. This is one dedicated group of soldiers that represent the US Army with pride and dignity!

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Mrs. Iowa and Miss Iowa Teen Spirit Brandi Schmidt

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Mrs. Iowa US and the Johnson County Fair Queens

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Mr. Richard Meyer,former Mayor of Coralville, Iowa and founder of the 4TH of July Parade

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The Grand Marshal of the parade was Mr. Dan Gable and I was honored to meet one of Iowa's greatest legends! Some facts about Mr. Gable-

Coach:

■Coached Iowa to 15 NCAA Titles
■21 yr. record of 355-21-5 (94.4%)
■Big Ten record of 131-2-1 (98.5%)
■21 Big Ten Team Titles
■Coached 45 National Champions
■Coached 152 All-Americans
■Coached 106 Big Ten Champions
■3x NCAA Coach of the Year
■7 perfect seasons
■9 Consecutive NCAA titles
■NCAA record of 170 team points in 1997
■1980, 1984, 2000 US Olympic Head Coach
■Coached 12 Hawkeye Olympians
■‘Sports Figure of the Century in Iowa’ by Sports Illustrated

Competitor:

■3x Iowa High School State Champion
■3x Big Eight Champion Iowa State University
■3x All-American
■182-1 Combined prep and college record
■6x Midlands Champion
■3x USA Freestyle National Champion
■1971 World Champion
■Outstanding Wrestler at Tbilisi Tournament
■1972 Olympic Gold Medalist
■Did not surrender a point in Munich Games
■Top 100 Olympians of all time
■Wrestler of the Century by Gannett Co.

2011-07-05T11:12:00.000-07:00

Thank you to my husband Joe who attends every event he can with me. Joe takes photos, helps out the organizations I support, watches the kids so I can be at events if needed and does an incredible job as MR.IOWA!!! I am blessed to have such a supportive and loving husband who allows me to follow my dreams! I love you Joe!!

2011-07-05T11:09:00.000-07:00

Mr.John Dolphin of the Cedar Rapids Corvette Club very kindly drove me in the Coralville 4 Th of July Parade.

2011-07-05T11:06:00.000-07:00

West Branch 4 TH of July Pancake Breakfast

2011-07-05T10:50:00.000-07:00

July 4, 2011~ Everyday should start with a good breakfast and today Joe and I stopped at the West Branch pancake breakfast. This is our home town and we had a great time with our fellow community members. I even met some more WWII Vets that have been on Honor Flight! My town is small but the people here are so friendly and make you feel like family! I love West Branch!

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Eastern Iowa Honor Flight at the Kernels

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CR Kernels Armed Forces Night

2011-07-05T10:01:00.000-07:00

July 2, 2011~ The Cedar Rapids Kernel baseball team sponsored Armed Forces Night At The Ball Park and allowed Eastern Iowa Honor Flight to accept donations, they had a 50/50 Raffle (which we could not sell tickets fast enough for) and the players worn camo jerseys that were auctioned off with the proceeds going to EIHF.
The highlight of the night was our WWII Veteran, Mike who went on an HF in the spring. The flight changed his life so much he donated $ 50,000.00 to HF so more Vets could go! WOW!! What an amazing man he is to do this! The Kernels had Mike throw out the first pitch for the game. I was honored to be his escort onto the field! Mike did an incredible job and the crowd gave him a standing ovation! Mike is just an great guy to talk with and I am blessed to have been given this opportunity.
Our fundraising was a huge SUCCESS~ we raised $ 5,000.00!!!!

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Operation Care and Comfort at Old Navy

2011-07-05T09:39:00.000-07:00

July 2, 2011~ Old Navy Stores nationwide took part in Operation Care and Comfort. This is their way of supporting our troops, they ask their customers to donate socks or flip flops and they send them overseas to the troops. You can also donate $5.00 and Old Navy will match the nationwide total amount in the end. I was proud to be a part of this event!! One lady I asked to donate said the best comment I have heard.... I said, "Thank you for doing this for the troops" and she said " No, its what they do for us!!"
The little girl I am talking to in the picture, had just asked me if I lived in a castle! How sweet!!! She was adorable!!
Many thanks to Old Navy for making a company wide contribution and their dedication to those who are serving America!!

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Famer's Market Fundraiser

2011-07-05T09:05:00.000-07:00

Saturday July 2, 2011~ I joined EIHF at the Cedar Rapids Farmer's Market to raise awareness and money. This event draws approx. 7000 people twice a month to downtown Cedar Rapids. In just 4 hours we raised $375.00 !!!!! I have found a great way to do this is by interacting with children and while I am playing with the kids, I get the chance to talk with the parents about my cause! I bought some stickers for a few dollars....and wow! We raised alot of money! And I had a great time... I love kids!! Looking forward to the next market!

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Night 2 of Patriotic Pops Concert

2011-07-05T08:49:00.000-07:00

I went back for a second night with EIHF at the Patriotic Pops concert,I meet more fun and friendly Iowa people! Please enjoy my photos, more can be found on my facebook page.

Honor Flight

2011-06-29T23:40:00.001-07:00

Please watch this INCREDIBLE video from our WWII VETS!!You will understand just what Honor Flight means. If you have a family member or friend that served during WWII, please talk to them about Honor Flight....they may say no, but show them this video...you just could change someone's life or bring them peace after many many years..... Thank you from Eastern Iowa Honor Flight and Mrs. Iowa United States All World Beauties

The Story of Stars and Stripes Honor Flight - Documentary Trailer

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Picture with an EX-POW

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Patriotic Pops Concert

2011-06-29T22:23:00.000-07:00

June 29, 2011~ I attended a concert of patriotic music performed by a choir of 90 community members. The event was very focused on recognizing Vets from all wars and the 4Th of July. I was in awe of the incredible voices I listened to! The voices and the songs chosen were beautiful! I was so impressed with how they made the Vets from WWII, Korea and Vietnam feel special. They each were introduced and able to state their branch of service. Special detail was given to the Vietnam Vets. Each war from WWII to present was announced and we stood for our time of service and were applauded. I really enjoyed at the end, all who served in the military were asked to stand together and salute our American flag. WHAT AN HONOR FOR ME!! I was able to salute ( in crown,sash AND heels) with my brothers, and 1 sister,in arms....what a privilege to share with these amazing service members, but especially those from WWII, Korea and Vietnam and even an ex-POW!!!! I enjoyed meeting members of the Cedar Rapids community and even got some hugs!

Educating Employers on Soldiers and Veterans

2011-06-29T21:43:00.000-07:00

June 28, 2011 I was asked to be part of a panel of 9 people,( all Veterans but 1) to give a presentation to 40 people from various businesses on how to make their workplace more "Veteran/Soldier friendly". We were able to explain what benefits there are to hiring a vet/soldier, how to understand they way they are used to working, how military skills translate to civilian skills and different ways to support them. I was very happy to have alot to say and also have the opportunity to explain how PTSD is affecting our troops, how and why employers need to keep an eye on them. 1 in 5 soldiers will be affected by PTSD and if left untreated or unrecognized, many soldiers are taking their own lives out of desperation. I also touched on making the workplace adaptable for our wounded warriors returning home to their civilian jobs.
This was a very educational event and I would like more companies to consider hosting these to teach their employees about supporting the soldiers and veterans. There is a huge need for companies to understand just what a soldier is all about to ensure a good relationship between the company and soldier which helps them keep their jobs, as well as civilian companies benefiting from the skills the military teaches.
Thank you to Alliant Energy for hosting this event and for Eastern Iowa Honor Flight for inviting me to participate.

POP POP POP

2011-06-27T22:52:00.000-07:00

What a fun night I had making popcorn! In support of the Regina Girls Softball Team and the Regina Class of 2012- I spent my evening making LOTS of popcorn for the game! We had an excellent turn out, raised over $600.00 AND....the REGALS WON!! Great job tonight ladies!! I had a fun time and I learned a new skill. I need one of those popcorn machines at home!

One Of My Favorite Pictures From An Appearance

2011-06-27T22:51:00.000-07:00

Play Ball !!!

2011-06-26T18:09:00.000-07:00

I HAVE to take time out for a "Proud Mama" day,as I call them! Between 3 of the kids,they play on 3 baseball teams and 2 softball teams. 5 different uniforms to wash, 5 ball schedules to juggle and a whole lot of time on the road, and the bleachers! Today it all paid off- Emily's Blaze softball team won their first ever Tournament Championship! These girls have played together several years and today they won big!
Adam's Blues baseball team played in the USSSA 14 State Tournament- AND WON!!! STATE CHAMPS!! This is Adam's 2ND state championship and today he hit a grand slam AND a 3 run home run!! And pitched very well,he is usually the catcher.
Reagan's Regina baseball team played in the USSSA 12 State Tournament- AND WON!!!
STATE CHAMPS!!!! This is Reagan's 2ND season with this team. After a somewhat disappointing last year, these boys pulled together,worked hard, and believed!!! This was their goal all year and they did it!!!

I could not more proud of my kids, their teammates and coaches!

2011-06-26T18:06:00.001-07:00

In the photos of the Governor's Award, you will see our Governor Terry Brandstad, Lt. Gov Kim Reynolds, both of whom I was pleased and excited to meet. Group photos of the volunteers that put on this ceremony, and a picture of an Iowa Ex- Prisoner of War! He also received an award today for volunteer service. Pleasure meeting him as well.
Later this week I should have a copy of the official photo taken of us.

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IOWA GOVERNOR'S VOLUNTEER AWARD

2011-06-26T17:28:00.000-07:00

June 24, 2011 Today was a very special day, I, along with Iowa Troop Pantry was recognized for our hard work and dedication to Iowa's deployed soldiers. We received the Iowa Governor's Volunteer Award for our work sending care packages to the troops. Iowa Governor Terry Branstad started this award in 1983 during his first term as Governor to recognize all Iowans that go above and beyond the call of duty to support their communities. This was an incredible honor! We have spent countless hours on our mission and never once thought about getting rewarded for it....its easy to do great tasks when its your passion and you are following your heart. Every dollar raised, every box packaged,every new person we brought along on this journey....and every trip to the post office with my van stuffed with boxes....was worth it....we reminded a soldier that they were loved, missed and appreciated. Words not often heard during War. Congratulations to my Iowa Troop Pantry Family!!!!

Eastern Iowa Honor Flight

2011-06-26T17:14:00.000-07:00

June 23, 2011 Tonight I went to my first meeting with this organization...VERY IMPRESSED!! An outstanding group of people that are stopping at nothing to make sure ALL 5000 of Iowa's WWII Veterans that want to go to D.C. will have the chance. They are working to have 4 flights this year,normal is 2 per year. They will be doing many fundraisers to help with the expenses to send them and they asked ME to join them in many!!I am more than happy to and look forward to getting started this week! We are going to make a great team- Veterans Helping Veterans!!!

IOWA'S HEROES

2011-06-23T14:34:00.001-07:00

Stop by Facebook and check out my page for Iowa soldiers and their families-
Heroes At Home I created this page to allow us to connect and support one another during Iowa's largest deployment of National Guard troops since WWII. Feel free to post a comment that will brighten someone's day or let them know they are loved and thought about!!

2011-06-23T14:24:00.000-07:00

Walk To End Alzheimer's

2011-06-23T14:09:00.000-07:00

June 22, 2011- Today was our Kick-Off Party for the October Walk Fundraiser. Groups met throughout Eastern Iowa to register their teams and get started fundraising. I will be having my own team this year, TEAM BLING and the HEELS FOR HOPE CAMPAIGN. I have a goal of raising $1000.00, if I reach that goal I will be doing the 3 mile "Walk" in a pair of high heels! All of my teammmates will be offered the opportunity to join me in heels and of course....we will have LOTS of BLING!!! My purpose is to bring as much attention to this fundraiser as I can and doing something out of the ordinary should help me reach my goal. I pray for a day we find a cure for Alzheimer's and the more funding we have for research, the closer we will come to that day.

Remember Me

2011-06-23T14:04:00.000-07:00

2011-06-19T21:51:00.000-07:00

This week I received an invitation that brought tears to my eyes..... I contacted the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight and they would love for me to volunteer with them. They raise awareness of their program, and also raise money. The EIHF sends WWII and Vietnam Vets to Washington D.C. for free to see the war memorial made for them. Iowa has approx. 5,000 WWII Vets and our goal is to send as many as possible to D.C. I am honored to work with them, to have the opportunity to meet the Heroes of my home state and most of all..... EIHF asked me to fly with on their September 2011 trip!!! I have been asked to be a "chaperone" for the trip!! A dream for me!! I CANNOT WAIT TIL SEPTEMBER!!!!!

2011-06-19T21:45:00.000-07:00

Miss Iowa America

2011-06-19T21:40:00.000-07:00

June 11, 2011~ My husband Joe and I attended the Miss Iowa Pageant. The ladies I had the pleasure of judging last winter at their local pageant, competed today for Miss Iowa. I am more than thrilled to say, my 2 winners, were again winners!! Elizabeth is the 1st Runner Up and Jessica won Miss Iowa!! I am very proud of these ladies, their hard work the past 6 months showed!! Jessica will now compete in January 2012 for Miss America!! Wishing her the best!

Finding Your Inner Princess & Loving Who You Are!

2011-06-10T23:29:00.000-07:00

Finding Your Inner Princess

2011-06-10T21:50:00.000-07:00

I believe the key to being a confident successful woman, begins when you are a little girl. At a very early age girls compare themselves to other girls and the cycle of self doubt, lack of confidence and discouragement with life begins. I want to encourage girls and women of all ages to believe in themselves and to let the voice in their head be a positive one. I found Dove is working toward the same goal, they have incredible programs and opportunities! As I read through some their information, my own childhood insecurities began to surface. I remembered how I felt and how often I told myself "I wasn't good enough" for so many things in life.

My goal is to make sure girls have the resources, knowledge and support system to help them through these tough early years. I want to make sure no one feels the way I did!!
Please visit the following sites from Dove for more information on how you can make a difference!
www.girlsinc.org
girlsinc-online.org ~ this one is for the girls to check out!
www.dove.us
www.dovemovement.com
www.girlscouts.org and their Uniquely Me Program
www.BCGA.org- Boys and Girls Club of America

I am looking forward to encouraging and teaching girls and women my new self esteem program ~ FINDING YOUR INNER PRINCESS! I also will be working with Dove to share their message in communities across Iowa!

Taking care of Y~O~U!!!

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Memorial Day 2011

2011-06-10T19:59:00.000-07:00

As I have done every Memorial Day since my children were toddlers, pay respect to those who defend our country. This year, as we were in Indianapolis, we went to the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. Indianapolis has several amazing and beautiful monuments and parks to honor Vets from every war. Please enjoy my photos from this day, pay close attention to the detail that has gone into these. I would love for every state to have monuments so special. This day will be my last as Mrs. Midwest....how awesome it was I could be traveling across the midwest today.....

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Indianapolis 500

2011-06-10T19:39:00.000-07:00

Joe's Army buddy called to see if we would like free tickets to the Indy 500....um...let me think.....YEAH!!! What an incredible experience this was! The people, the size of the infield, golf course included....the cars....THE SPEED AND THAT SOUND!!! I think that will buzz in my head forever. We were able to take two of the kids, others had prior commitments. We were so thrilled to give them a possible once in a lifetime trip. We had a great time, despite the heat...and the walking...by the end of the day we figured out we walked about 12 miles. Did I mention I was wearing flip flops?? Was not thinking we would walk that much but parking took forever ( 100 Anniversary ) so we stopped and walked the rest of the way...and then back....after a crazy search for a lanyard and a t-shirt! Somehow when you get to make incredible memories, you don't feel the pain until later. We are thankful to KP for sharing this day with us. The best part was before the race when they honored our troops, had a fly over and.....we got to hear Miss America~Theresa Scanlon, sing God Bless America!! If only I could have met her! A great day...I highly recommend putting this on your bucket list!

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May 2011

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Iowa Troop Pantry had a boxing event at Muscatine High School. The students organized the donation drive and then everyone worked together packing the boxes. I was unable to make this event but Joe and I did our part by getting these to the post office. We sent out approx 70! Just to get these mailed takes about 3 to 4 hours....the address labels have to be filled out, custom sheets and then the postman has to weigh and label each box, all while helping the other customers. The Coralville Post Office has been incredible in their support of us bringing massive amounts of boxes to be mailed. They always help us with big smiles, as we send smiles across the ocean to the troops! While filling out the paperwork, a man stopped and asked what we were doing...we explained and he got out his wallet and gave us $20.00 for a donation!!! Very thoughtful of him!! Paying it forward!

Mrs. IOWA

2011-05-24T19:33:00.000-07:00

I am VERY EXCITED to announce I will be changing my title from Mrs. Midwest to MRS. IOWA!!! I am honored and proud to represent my home state of Iowa! I was born in Sigourney, Iowa....hometown of 3 generations of my family. I grew up in Hedrick, Iowa and now make my home in beautiful West Branch. I love living in Iowa, the people here are unlike any I have met across the U.S. -friendly, compassionate, down to earth people. We aren't afraid of getting dirty or hard work but when its time to have fun and relax- we do it right! In Iowa you can find anything to do, skiing, boating, farming,going to fairs, Tulip Time in May, plenty of great sports from youth to collegiate,parks,shopping or just spending time at home with those you love. I have been proud to call Iowa my home since 1972....and now I am proud to call Iowa my new title ~ proudly serving communities across my home state~ I AM- MRS.IOWA UNITED STATES ALL WORLD BEAUTIES!!

Describing Me

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Courageous~Determined~Resilient~Confident~Having Faith~Compassionate~Thankful~Blessed
~ These are some of my favorite words to describe myself...... looking forward to all the challenges God brings me, praying for the wisdom to be what He asks of me.

New Home

2011-04-06T19:47:00.000-07:00

On March 24, our family became homeowners!! Our new home is just over 2600 sq ft and sits on acre, just outside the city limits. We have a beautiful yard with lots of trees! We even have a "neighborhood fox" back there! We have lots of flowers, however I know nothing about gardening, I am going to have to ask for help on these. They are all just green stems right now, I can't wait to see what kind of flowers we have! We have 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, and 4 garages! Joe is thrilled to finally have his own workshop. The kids have big bedrooms and our oldest son is finally able to have his own room! Something he hasn't had since his little sister was born, 13 years ago. Everyday I thank God for blessing us with a wonderful, safe, beautiful home! Having spent many years as a single Mom, living in tiny apartments with 4 kids in questionable neighborhoods, I could not be more thankful for this amazing gift from God!!

New Position

2011-04-06T19:39:00.000-07:00

Iowa Troop Pantry has become their own non profit organization!! I could not be more proud of the hard work and dedication the Tyson Family has displayed! To help make this organization be successful they have enlisted the help of some of the volunteers, I am very honored they asked me to be the Event Coordinator for Iowa Troop Pantry! I am looking forward to finding events in our community to promote supporting our soldiers! Thank you ITP for allowing me to be involved!

Iowa Troop Pantry

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SOLDIER CARE PACKAGES

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SOLDIER CARE PACKAGES

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Sending Love From Home

2011-01-26T20:30:00.000-08:00

Jan 22,2011 Time to organize the supplies and pack some boxes for the troops! Joe, Reagan and I joined Iowa Troop Pantry and some new friends packing boxes. We were able to pack 27 this time! It is fun to do but never easy....once you see the boxes lined up, you realize..we have so many soldiers far from home. One of our friends and his fellow soldiers are in a remote part of Afghanistan in the mountains..... they were able to communicate and ask for us to send supplies..... one man has lost 30 pounds!! All the have a MREs (meals ready to eat)...which would be the equivalent of an adult working a very physical job and only having a Lunchable to eat. I don't know many that could handle that..... this is why, I do what I do!! To support our soldiers who sacrifice everything for us. I know I will never look at a can of ravioli again without thinking of them. The soldiers ask for it all the time....every box has at least 2 cans. They put the cans in the sun to warm, open and have a hot meal. They also go without simple things like soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes, and deodorant. I am so thankful we have such amazing community members that also volunteer to take care of these soldiers. Many thanks to Whitney, Deb, Lisa and Lindsey!

2011-01-26T20:25:00.000-08:00

Finally A Teen!! OH NO!

2011-01-26T20:11:00.000-08:00

January 9, 2011 Today my "baby girl" became a teenager!! I was soooo excited the day she was born..... I really wanted a girl to go with my 2 boys....and God gave me the most beautiful girl he had!! She is an angel....Emily is a beautiful and smart young lady! She loves sports and the girly stuff!! ( and she LOVES pageants). We have so much fun together.....I can't believe she is 13!! I wish she could stay this age forever....of course I say that every year! At our house, I started the tradition many years ago of making a HUGE deal out of birthdays....with 4 kids, its challenging to always make sure each feels special. When the birthday person wakes up they find the house and their room has been decorated, they have a balloon bouquet tied to their chair at the table and they start the day with whatever sugary junk cereal they want!! (I don't normally buy those!) And we party on from there..... This is one of my favorite family traditions and the kids...no matter how big they get... still love it....even though they are "too cool" to say so!

2011-01-26T20:07:00.000-08:00

Miss America Judging!!

2011-01-26T19:52:00.000-08:00

January 8,2011 Today I was a judge for the local pageants that lead to Miss Iowa America! This was my first time judging a pageant, boy was it an eye opener!! I really learned what it means when people say, just compete with yourself!! We had an amazing group of beautiful and talented ladies, they made our decision very difficult! We crowned to new titleholders- Miss Muscatine County~Jessica and Miss Pearl City~Elizabeth. Both will compete in June for the title of Miss Iowa and that winner will move on to the Miss America Pageant in 2012
I had an awesome time, I became a "certified Miss America judge" and I can't wait to do this again!! Today also made me VERY VERY excited for my own National pageant in July!!

2011-01-26T19:35:00.000-08:00

Patriots Light the Night

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100 9383

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Patriots Light the Night

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December 19,2010 a candlelight vigil was held at the Iowa City National Guard. This was an event to honor and remember our deployed soldiers and their families as the Christmas season was upon us. I was asked to be the keynote speaker and to reach out to the families with words of hope. I was certainly honored and humbled! Writing my speech was a piece of cake, however giving the speech was way more difficult than I imagined! As I stood before this group of family members,all holding candles in honor of their soldiers, I could see in their eyes, they were sad, scared, lonely and worried. They were looking to me to help make it better! WOW!! It took every ounce of my strength to not fall apart right there! I have been the soldier deployed and the family waiting at home....I know everything they are going through. So please excuse the random tears during my speech....but when all you are saying comes from the very bottom of your heart.....its difficult to not become emotional. Every soldier deployed and every one of their family members and friends are my brothers and sisters...... I too worry......but my faith tells me, they will all be OK!! Until then...."we wait together for the big bus to roll into town!!!"

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At Wreaths Across America, our community honored two families that have lost their sons recently serving our county. They were incredible young men and will be dearly missed. We also had our Congressman Dave Lobesack speak as well as Retired Maj. General Sentman, who both work hard to support the soldiers, veterans and their families of our community. It was an honor and a pleasure to be asked to speak at an event with such honorable men.

2011-01-26T12:02:00.000-08:00

Wreaths Across America 2010

2011-01-26T11:46:00.000-08:00

December 10,2010 I was honored to be a guest speaker at the Wreaths Across America event in Iowa City, Iowa. It was a very cold cold rainy day but that did not stop the many volunteers and Boy Scouts from making sure every Veterans grave received a wreath.
Wreaths Across America™, was formed as an extension of the Arlington Wreath Project. The Arlington Wreath program was started by Morrill Worcester (Worcester Wreath) in 1992 with the donation and laying of 5000 Christmas wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery. This became an annual journey for Mr. Worcester.

It was relatively obscure until 2005 when a photo of the stones adorned with wreaths and covered in snow circulated around the internet. The project received National attention. Thousands of requests poured in from all over the country from people wanting to emulate the Arlington project at their National and State cemeteries spurred the creation of “Wreaths Across America™”. Unable to donate thousands of wreaths to each state, Mr. Worcester conceived the idea of sending 7 wreaths (one for each branch of the military as well as POW/MIA). In 2006 with the help of the CAP and other civic organizations, over 150 locations held wreath laying ceremonies simultaneously.

The Patriot Guard Riders volunteered as escort for the wreaths going to Arlington. This began the annual “Veterans Honor Parade” that travels the east coast in early December.

By 2007 the requests for more wreaths grew. The Worcester family established the non-profit group Wreaths Across America™ to further promote Veterans remembrance. The mission Remember, Honor and Teach characterized the projects goals perfectly.

By 2008 over 300 locations held wreath laying ceremonies in every state, Puerto Rico and 24 over seas cemeteries. Over 100,000 wreaths were placed on veterans graves. Over 60,000 volunteers participated.

WAA reached out to thousands of children with the message of Remember, Honor and Teach. The importance of honoring each fallen serviceman as an individual is stressed.

The wreath laying is now held annually on the second Saturday of December. December 13, 2008 was unanimously voted by the US Congress as “Wreaths Across America™ Day”. Wreaths Across America™ would not be successful without the help of the volunteers, many active organizations and the generosity of the trucking industry.

I wish to give special thanks to Mike, LeAnn and Maria Tyson who work year round to promote Wreaths and have spent countless hours searching the cemetary for the graves of our Veterans. They have even gone as far as doing pencil rubbings on paper to see the names on the older stones!!

I am proud to say I have a new tradition to add to my life..... making sure the 2nd Saturday of December is spent with Wreaths Across America. My goal is to someday make it to Arlington National Cemetary to lay wreaths.

If you would like more information on Wreaths Across America or would like to start the tradition in your community, please contact me or visit http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/

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Iowa National Guard Family Christmas Party 2010

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Iowa Troop Pantry, many Iowa City Realtors, the Family Readiness Group along with Joe and I held a Christmas party for the spouses, family and children of some of Iowa's deployed soldiers. We had a huge dinner,games and presents for every child and a visit from SANTA!! We had a great time!! While I was serving dinner, I looked across the room and saw the same look on many faces I had at one point in my life. A look of worry, constant concern, and never being able to just relax. Especially those caring for smaller kids. The spouses at home are both Mom and Dad and it made me think of the days I was a single Mom to 4! It is very difficult and exhausting. But they keep driving on, asking for nothing. I was again reminded, why my platform is supporting Soldiers, Vets and their families! When Santa arrived, the kids all sat on his lap and asked for presents.....they even let me have a turn!! I asked for all these families to have their loved ones return home soon and safe. We had a beautiful day....I loved seeing the kids with Santa!!

John Michael Montgomery -Letter From Home

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