Troops & Countdown

 

Hey all!

Time for an update.  I had a lovely Easter weekend with friends and family.  While visiting, I had the opportunity to greet incoming troops at Pease Airforce Base in Portsmouth, NH.  Pease Airforce Base is basically a rest stop for the troops.  The troops stop here for about an hour before they continue their flight to their home destination.  Because it is just a rest stop, there are no family members or friends of the troops present.  However, there are the Pease Greeters.

The Pease Greeters are a huge volunteer group of retired veterans and community members who gather to give the returning soldiers a big welcome.  It was an absolutely moving experience to witness over 300 volunteers gather to provide these soldiers with lots of clapping and hand shakes, stuffed animals to bring home to their children, food, phone calls to home, and a ceremony in recognition of their service.   The men and women I greeted were returning from 1+ years of service in Afghanistan.  They were so grateful for their wonderful welcome back to the states, but we were even more grateful for their dedication to protecting their country.

Check out http://peasegreeters.org/

 

 Beyond that wonderful experience... things in my life are starting to happen very fast!

• I am having my Miss USA Send-Off Party this Friday as a fundraiser for Vermont Respite House.  I hope you are coming! 
• My last official day of classes is May 4th.
• Going to NYC May 5th & 6th for some runway coaching for Miss USA
• Final Exams are May 12th & 13th
• Senior Week begins May 15th
• University of Vermont College of Nursing Pinning Ceremony is May 21st
• University of Vermont Graduation is May 22nd
• NYC May 24th-27th for Miss USA Media Events
• VEGAS June 3rd-21st for Miss USA 2011 Competition! WHOOHOOOO!

 Bring it on!