Ms. Veteran America, the woman beyond the uniform

The Ms. Veteran America competition highlights the strength, courage, and sacrifice of our nation’s military women, but also reminds us that these women are mothers, daughters, sisters and wives. La Grange native Air Force Captain Erica Pridgen joins the ranks of women competing for the honor of being Ms. Veteran America.

“I’m always trying to look for things to do in the community. I was looking for volunteer opportunities at homeless shelters and shelters for women when I came across Ms. Veteran America because their focus is to help homeless veteran women,” said Pridgen.

Along with the top 25 candidates, Pridgen advocates for a program she believes in called Final Salute whose H.O.M.E and S.A.F.E. Programs assist women Veterans and their children who are homeless, those that are facing homelessness, and those are under financial strain.

“I believe that whatever gifts or resources one has it is not simply for your own enjoyment you should use them for other people,” said Pridgen.

While not a stranger to competition, Pridgen was part of the Miss Kinston-Lenoir County pageant in her early childhood. She signed up for the Ms. Veteran America competition to be exposed to women who, like her, are on a journey and she wanted to learn from them.

“These women have their own businesses, they do public speaking, unbeknownst to them, just having conversations with some of them, it sparked a fire in me to do the things I didn’t even know I was interested in doing. It’s been a great motivator and put a fire in my career and life,” said Pridgen.

Pridgen strives to use the experiences she gained as a nurse, as well as from the Air Force, to educate others through community outreach programs. She believes there are many opportunities out there that those in need may not be aware of.

“There is something special about being able to do for people that you know or have helped you where you are,” said Pridgen.

Proceeds from the Ms. Veteran America event provides housing for homeless women Veterans and their children. Women Veterans are currently the fastest-growing homeless population in America. Over half of homeless women veterans are single mothers. The competition will be held virtually on October 11, 2020.

To learn more visit www.msveteranamerica.org/1.html.