• The Early Registration fee is $200 until March 15th; General Registration is $250 from March 16th to May 31st.
* The 2024 Semi-Final Competition date is TBD.
• The 2024 Ms. Veteran America competition is October 13th.
Competition Eligibility & Rules
• You must be a woman who is either a Veteran or still serving in the U.S. Military.
If a Veteran; proof of honorable discharge via DD 214 and a state issued photo I.D. Requires completion of initial service obligation unless medically discharged.
• If still serving actively (including Guard and Reserve), they must have proof of 180 days of service beyond initial training requirements, a signed letter from their unit Commander to show they are serving in good standing (include contact information) and military ID (non-expired).
• Must be of good health (able to fulfill year long duties) and high moral character.
• Must be actively involved in your community i.e. volunteering and/or charitable initiatives.
• Must agree, that if selected they will participate in the competition, and will abide the code of conduct.
• There is no age, era, or height/weight requirement.
JUDGING & CRITERIA
How is Ms Veteran America selected?
Contestants will be scored and ranked in four areas of the competition; Interview, Talent, Military History and Advocacy. Scoring criteria includes confidence and personality. In addition to the judges tally, Ms. Veteran America and Final Salute Inc. leadership also take into consideration contestant activity, interaction, and participation during the entire competition process to ensure the best Ambassador is selected.
How do you define Talent?
The new talent format is now a Lip Sync competition! Complete details will be provided once you are confirmed as a constestant.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
• When will the competition take place? October 13, 2024; however finalists will need to report on the Friday prior to the Main Event.
• How do I compete? Complete the online application and compete in the semi-final competition*.
• How do I know if I was chosen as a finalist? You will be notified 90 days prior to the event, via email and social media.
• If my family or friends want to attend the competition, where do they stay? We will provide a list of area hotels and any special rates that will be given to friends and family members.
• How do my family and friends get tickets to attend the competition? Ticket information is listed on the event website.
• What should my family and friends wear to the competition? Formal attire or military dress.
• Do I need to pay for my travel, meals or hotel during competition weekend? Once you are chosen as a Finalist, your meals and hotel (host hotel only) are provided at no cost to you. We are unable to cover cost for any accompanying family members. Travel to and from the competition will be at the expense of the contestant (unless we are able to have it sponsored; contestants will be notified about travel, once they are selected as finalist).
• What if I can’t afford a dress, additional outfits, or travel to the event? It is most important to find outfits that you will feel confident in and that best suit you and your personality. The judges are not scoring your attire; it’s all about the woman wearing it. Additionally, all finalists are encouraged to seek sponsorship if needed (see below).
*Will there be access to a salon to get my hair done for the event? Hair and Make-up services are NOT provided on the day of the competition, however, we will provide a list of providers for the contestants to connect with prior to the event if needed.
*What if I am active duty, will I have to take leave? If still serving (including Guard and Reserve), you are required to get your Commander's signature in order to participate. As you have both the competition and final dates in advance, you can have ample time to notify your command. We can't say if your command will approve a pass, in lieu of leave, but as they are supporting you as a contestant, it doesn't hurt to ask.
*What if I have drill during Semi-Finals or Finals? The same information applies that we stated ref active duty contestants. We have had units in the past allow contestants to RST (rescheduled training) in order to participate. You have the dates in advance and you know your drill schedule, plan accordingly.
SPONSORSHIP
Collecting sponsorship is very important. It takes time and commitment on your part. You should start with a list of potential sponsors such as friends and family members, local businesses, your employer etc. Plan your strategy, and make a plan to succeed! When approaching potential sponsors, explain your goals, what this competition means to you as a woman who has served her country, why they should sponsor you, and why you are competing in the Ms Veteran America competition. This will be extremely beneficial in developing your communication skills. This is an essential characteristic to have if you’re going to be the first Ms Veteran America. Sponsors will be recognized online in contestants bio. (Only request sponsorship if you truly need it).
Previous contestants have been able to secure in-kind sponsorship i.e. formal wear or shoe sponsor.
Top 20 Finalists are required to secure 1 Table Sponsorship.
DUTIES
Community Service
Ms Veteran America will be required to provide at least 250 hours of community service, during her 12 months as title holder.
Speaking Engagements
Ms Veteran America will be required to attend speaking engagements and special events as the official spokeswoman of the Ms Veteran America competition and Final Salute Inc. You will serve as an active advocate for Final Salute Inc. and their efforts to assist homeless women Veterans and their children. Competition Officials will arrange all speaking engagements and any outside request must be routed to competition officials for approval.
GRAND PRIZES
- Official Ms Veteran America Crown
- Official Ms Veteran America Sash
- $15,000 towards the purchase of a vehicle or scholarship towards education (theirs or their children or grand children) or student loan repayment (must be in good standing) or starting their own business or down payment towards a home purchase or home repairs
- Featured on Ms Veteran America competition nationwide advertising campaign
- Round trip airfare and accommodations for 2 to the 2024 Ms. Veteran America competition (if outside of event area)
- Gown to the 2024 Ms Veteran America competition and much much more!
ADDITIONAL AWARD CATEGORIES
- Show Stopper – Presented to the Best Talent Performance.
- You Wear it Well – Presented to the Best Dressed.
- Barbie Ritzco Resilience Award - Overcame a significant personal challenge and used it to inspire and support others. Named in honor of GySgt Barbara J. Ritzco who lost her battle to breast cancer in 2014.
- Social Butterfly - Started her own media campaign for the competition and got the most FB likes and Twitter Followers combined.
- Selfless Service - Gives significant volunteer time/support to an organization she is passionate about.
- Hot Mama of the Year - Honors the woman who serves and sacrifices for not only her country, but her family as well.
- She Means Business - Started your own successful business and embraced your entreprenuerial spirit.
- Serina's Vine - Epitomizes what it means to “Never Leave a Fallen Comrade”, through significant military achievement; this award is by recommendation only by current or previous “in-service” supervisor.
- Mr. Mom - Recognizing the husbands who have learned how to braid hair, are proud of their Soccer Dad titles, attend dance practices, finish the dishes, kiss boo boos, make dinner, hold down the fort and be everything his Warrior Wife needs him to be as she salutes the flag. You do not have to have children to be eligible for Mr. Mom.**
- Kindred Award - Presented to the spouse or family member who has supported you and your goals during your time serving the country, helped without being asked, gave without expecting anything in return, stood in the gap without flinching while you were away, created an unwavering bond of respect, unconditional love, friendship, and is there for you in good, bad and uncertain times.
- GI JoAnne - This award goes to the contestant that does the most push-ups. This event is conducted live on stage during the competition.
- Donation Whisperer - Starts her own fundraising campaign in support of homeless women Veterans. Proceeds benefit Final Salute Inc. When competing for the title of “Donation Whisperer”, you must first create a fundraiser via Facebook:
• Select “Fundraise
• Select “Raise Money”
• Select "Nonprofit"
• Enter "Final Salute Inc"
• Set your goal! Your personal fundraising campaign will fund housing for homeless women Veterans and their children. After you have built your page, be sure to include a photo of yourself, mention you are running for Ms. Veteran America (personalize and post often) and then invite your friends to donate! Good Luck!
Registration closes May 31st annually or when the first 250 paid registration fees are received. Whichever comes sooner.
*Virtuals are ONLY open to contestants who are TDY or deployed (orders will be required).
** This category is open to husbands of contestants, current military women and women Veterans. Requires a short video (of hubby in action) and a picture of your family. Submission must be received by September 15th.
