Illinois National Guard Soldier reaches for the crown

Story by Spc. Ian Withrow, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

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SPRINGFIELD, IL (06/21/2014)(readMedia)-- SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The next stage of the Ms. Veteran America contest begins as the regional events wrapped up June 14. With regionals over, competitors must wait until July to find out who will proceed to the finals.

Staff Sgt. Katie Jo Williams of Altamont, Illinois, a recruiter with the Illinois National Guard Recruiting and Retention Command, competed in the second regional event in Arlington, Virginia, June 7.

"Before I went to see the judges I wasn't really nervous, but I was anxious to just jump in and do it," said Williams. The regional event consisted of a short interview and a brief opportunity for each competitor to demonstrate their talent, said Williams.

Williams took to the stage and sang her rendition of the song, "I see the light" from Disney's 2010 animated musical "Tangled," during the talent segment.

"I was nervous because I have so much respect for the women I sang for," said Williams. "I was very nervous for the first verse, but as soon as I took a breath I felt a lot better."

Williams said the judges were amazing people.

The judges included both previous Ms. Veteran America winners, Ms. Veteran America 2013 Army Staff Sgt. Allaina Guitron of Syracuse, New York, and Ms. Veteran America 2012 Master Sgt. Denyse Gordon. The Ms. Veteran America contest created by Final Salute, is in its third year. The organization raises funding and awareness for homeless female veterans.

For now, Williams, along with her fellow competitors, must play the waiting game while the judges deliberate. But, what are the judges looking for?

"Ms. Veteran America should be a role model, as well as a model Soldier," said Jaspen Boothe, of Chicago, the founder of Final Salute and the creator of the Ms. Veteran America competition. "She needs to be able to represent the women who; have gone before her, are serving with her now, and who will come after her. She must epitomize a woman who has honorably served her country."

Boothe said the Final Salute's cause is so near and dear to her because she was, at one point, homeless. During Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Boothe said she lost her home and everything in it; she had little luck when she looked for help.

"I found out there were no support systems for female veterans. I realized they had been forgotten," said Boothe. "Part of our warrior ethos is to never leave a fallen comrade and I never forgot that as I continued my life."

Boothe said she created the contest to fulfill a need to care for female veterans and the Ms. Veteran America is a title for women with a similar goal.

"The crown has nothing to do with (the contestant) as a person. She is representing every woman who has worn or will wear the uniform," said Boothe. "She must be willing to tackle tough questions and be an advocate (for women). If she is just looking for the crown, she shouldn't even compete."

Staff Sgt. Katie Jo Williams of Altamont, Illinois, a recruiter with the Illinois National Guard Recruiting and Retention Command, stands at the far right, posing with the current Ms. Veteran America during the regional's phase of Ms. Veteran America 2014. Photograph courtesy of Michael Wheaton, event photographer.

Staff Sgt. Katie Jo Williams of Altamont, Illinois, a recruiter with the Illinois National Guard Recruiting and Retention Command, stands at the far right, posing with the current Ms. Veteran America during the regional's phase of Ms. Veteran America 2014. Photograph courtesy of Michael Wheaton, event photographer.

Staff Sgt. Katie Jo Williams of Altamont, Illinois, a recruiter with the Illinois National Guard Recruiting and Retention Command, stands at the Ms. Veteran America regional's phase of Ms. Veteran America 2014. Photograph provided by Staff Sgt. Katie Jo Williams of Altamont, Illinois, a recruiter with the Illinois National Guard Recruiting and Retention Command.