Photo By Sgt. Neysa Huertas Quinones | Sgt. 1st Class Scarlett Martinez, a career counsellor with the Florida Army National...... read more read more
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Sergeant 1st Class Scarlett Martinez, a career counselor with the FLNG, has committed a large part of her life to giving back to others. The three-time combat veteran and purple heart recipient has demonstrated her Army values in and out of uniform, and recently competed for the "Ms. Veterans America" crown in Orlando, Florida. The Ms. Veteran America competition gave her an opportunity to branch out and get involved in new ways while collaborating with other military women.
“I think this is an honor,” said Martinez. “I believe in the cause and even though I did not make it to the top 10, I'm not disappointed because it taught me what I need to learn to do it next time. I'm not giving up, I'm still going to come for the crown.”
Ms. Veteran America's beneficiary, Final Salute Inc., has a mission to provide homeless female veterans and their children with safe and suitable housing. This cause resonated with Martinez as she once found herself needing assistance as a single mother with children. This organization has helped Martinez find her calling of helping and giving back. She hopes to inspire those around her to find ways to get involved themselves.
“I think it's important for the National Guard to come and support,” said Martinez. “There are women in the National Guard that sometimes find themselves struggling and need to see that we are here to support each other just as we do in uniform.”
The desire to represent such movements brings candidates together as they work to meet the organization's standards of excellence. Initial requirements call for active involvement in the community as well as veteran or active military status. Finalists are later assessed in categories that include an interview, talent, military history and advocacy. Ms. Veteran America strives to showcase “The Woman Beyond the Uniform" as it brings individuals from a variety of backgrounds together for a good cause.
“It's not an easy path,” said Martinez. “ It's a path that if you are willing to get to this point, you have to put in a lot of work. It took a lot of going out there and getting out of my comfort zone, finding myself, and understanding that I'm doing this for the homeless women, not for myself or the crown.”
The camaraderie experienced by service members allows them to form special bonds that last lifetimes. Many participants forged friendships with each other that they intend to maintain even after the ceremony's conclusion.
“Watching my Marine sister win the crown was the most memorable part of this experience,” said Martinez” We really clicked and I think we built that relationship as if we were on the battlefield together. We both said if one of us gets to do it, we will mentor the other on how to be better for next time. That is the beauty of sisterhood.”
Martinez is committed to returning to the event next year for a chance at representing the organization. She encourages any service member, past or present, out there interested to take the first step and reach out to their communities to find volunteer opportunities.
“Do it with your heart. Really take time to study the information and understand why you are doing it, the cause and be articulate about everything. Be confident when you come and be prepared to fully commit to this wonderful experience.”
| Date Taken: | 10.08.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 10.10.2023 16:00 |
| Story ID: | 455410 |
| Location: | ORLANDO, FL, US |
| Web Views: | 282 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, FLNG Soldier serves community through Ms. Veteran America 2023, by SGT Neysa Huertas Quinones, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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