Airman competes for Miss USA crown

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SAN ANTONIO (AFNEWS) --  She has been anticipating this moment since being crowned Miss Arkansas USA in October and it is finally here.

Second Lt. Kelly George, a resident of Sherwood, Ark., and the deputy chief of public affairs for the 314th Airlift Wing at Little Rock Air Force Base, vies for the title of Miss USA March 23. The pageant will air live from Los Angeles at 9 p.m. EDT.

She admits to feeling some butterflies, but she thinks they are not a sign of nerves but rather excitement.

Lieutenant George has been preparing for pageants for more than a decade and says training for pageants is similar to being an Airman in the Air Force.

Although it is a different uniform, different shoes especially, it is the same idea of representing something bigger than yourself, she said.

"This contest has helped me hone my leadership skills, build and maintain confidence in myself, and hopefully, has allowed me to influence other young women to do the same," Lieutenant George said. "I want young women to know they should never give up on their dreams. Hard work, self discipline and good support from peers, superiors and family can take you a long way." 

"Kelly represents the Air Force and Arkansas well," said Brig. Gen. Kip Self, 314th AW commander. "She takes to heart the spirit of service in dedicating herself to civic duty and service to the country." 

According to the Miss USA Web site, contestants must be savvy, goal-oriented and aware, and display those characteristics in their everyday lives.

"You have to be a good role model in the Air Force and as Miss Arkansas USA," she said. "The key is to embody all the qualities of a healthy lifestyle, be a good role model and represent yourself and the state well." 

The last time a Miss Arkansas won the Miss USA title was in 1982.

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