An end, but not the end for Illinois Guardsman

By Spc. Ian Withrow 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Related Media

Staff Sgt. Katie Jo Wiliams, of Altamont, Illinois, a recruiter with the Illinois National Guard Recruiting and Retention Command, stands beside her boyfriend Chris Melton at the Miss Veteran America

SPRINGFIELD, IL (10/20/2014)(readMedia)-- A long journey for military women across the country has come to an end. Staff Sgt. Katie Jo Wiliams, of Altamont, Illinois, a recruiter with the Illinois National Guard Recruiting and Retention Command, based in Springfield, Illinois, made it to the finals of the Ms. Veteran America 2014 contest, and into the top 25 before landing just shy of the top 10.

"I'm OK with not winning," said Williams. "My main focus was raising awareness and building new friendships. The women in this competition are strong and beautiful women and I wish nothing but good things for the 2014 Ms. Veteran America."

Williams was the only Guardsman competitor to make it into the finals. The winner was announced Oct. 12, at the National Conference Center in Leesburg, Virginia.

Jaspen Boothe, of Chicago, the founder of Final Salute, an organization that supports homeless female veterans, and the creator of the Ms. Veteran America competition, said the contest really isn't about beating the other competitors.

"There are no losers here," said Booth. "It is very difficult to only pick one person to win, because once they raised their right hands, they were all wearing a crown. These women all become ambassadors. They have all advocated on behalf of homeless women veterans and their children and all saw the bigger picture beyond the crown and sash."

Williams said she spent her time leading up to the finals focused on becoming a better competitor.

"I want to be the one people look up to," said Williams. "The one who inspires others."

Williams may not have received a tiara, but she gained something she said is even more important.

"I am so happy that I have met new sisters-in-arms," she said. "It's refreshing to see so many strong women in this modern-day world. I am happy and privileged just to be a part of this wonderful organization."

Williams' decision to compete was motivated by many factors, but perhaps the most unexpected motivator was fear.

"I am always trying new things to take me out of my comfort zone," she said. "Fear is my biggest motivator. I never want to be just a normal person. I want to be exceptional."

As for the competition, next year's event is already being planned, said Booth.

"Next year begins the day after the competition," said Booth. "We already have fifty women who are waiting to receive applications. I am always looking forward to another opportunity to bring all of my sisters together."

Photo captions:

Submitted photo/ Staff Sgt. Katie Jo Wiliams, of Altamont, Illinois, a recruiter with the Illinois National Guard Recruiting and Retention Command, stands beside her boyfriend Chris Melton at the Miss Veteran America contest in Leesburg, Virginia, Oct. 12, 2014. Williams was competing in the finals event after making her way through regionals and the semifinals earlier this year.

Submitted photo/ Staff Sgt. Katie Jo Wiliams, of Altamont, Illinois, a recruiter with the Illinois National Guard Recruiting and Retention Command, pauses in her evening gown to show off her unorthodox footwear at the Miss Veteran America contest in Leesburg, Virginia, Oct. 11, 2014. Williams was competing in the finals event after making her way through regionals and the semifinals earlier this year.

Submitted photo/ (Right)Staff Sgt. Katie Jo Wiliams, of Altamont, Illinois, a recruiter with the Illinois National Guard Recruiting and Retention Command, stands alongside fellow competitors (from left) Melody Ware, Elizabeth Lauras, and Kimikko Thomas at the Miss Veteran America contest in Leesburg, Virginia, Oct. 12, 2014. Williams was competing in the finals event after making her way through regionals and the semifinals earlier this year.