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NORFOLK, Va. – Sailors socialized and ate breakfast with the reigning Miss America Teresa Scanlan at Navy Mobilization Processing Site United Service Organizations office at Naval Station Norfolk March 22.
Scanlan is in town visiting several Norfolk area commands to show her support to the military for all the sacrifices they make each and every day.
“Events like this help lift our sailor’s spirits with all that is going on in the world, and here at home,” said Ann Morris, NMPS Norfolk center director of NMPS, NSN.
According to Petty Officer 3rd Class Sharyn Thomas, information intelligence specialist, it was nice to see someone famous visit the military.
“It’s good that she came to see the troops because it helps boost morale,” said Thomas who is stationed at Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet.
The 18-year-old Scanlan was crowned Miss Nebraska June 5, 2010, and Miss America Jan. 15, 2011. She is the youngest person to win the crown in 74 years and the first Miss Nebraska to ever win it.
For many of those in attendance, they were shocked at how young she was, but could relate to her with being young with a lot of responsibility and representing America.
“I was surprised at how much responsibility Miss America has at such a young age representing America,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class (AW) Daniel Galey, aviation boatswain's mate handling, stationed at Transient Personnel Unit NSN. “I can relate to her because in the military a lot of us are right out of high school and we have huge responsibilities in leadership roles and we represent America wearing the uniform.”
During the event, Miss America enjoyed having breakfast with the sailors and answering any questions they had for her.
“It’s an honor to be here working alongside the USO,” said Scanlan. “I am looking forward to working with them throughout the year because we get to do a lot of great things in support of the military. It is a privilege for me to be able meet service members and I am very grateful for their sacrifices and what they do for our country.”
Before the event was over, sailors were able to take pictures with her, and were provided with an autographed photograph of her.
“I really enjoyed the breakfast with Miss America because I never knew there was a USO office on base,” said Petty Officer 1st Class (SW) Cortez Mounger, information systems technician, from 2nd Fleet. “Since I know it is here now, I am going back to my command and inform my junior sailors what the USO is all about so they can go there after working hours if they want to.”
Master Chief Petty Oficer (SW/AW) Yvonne Kitchen, information systems technician, 2nd Fleet’s Staff command master chief, noted that the USO did a fantastic job setting up the event.
“Having Miss America eat breakfast with the sailors was priceless to me because these young men and women sacrifice so much day in and day out,” said Kitchen. “I appreciate Miss America taking time out of her busy schedule for this great cause.”
| Date Taken: | 03.22.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 03.22.2011 16:37 |
| Story ID: | 67553 |
| Location: | NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 125 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Miss America Visits Naval Station Norfolk, by CPO Rafael Martie, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
