Air Force Reserve Capt. Charlynda Scales was initially hesitant to sign up when her husband, Air Force Lt. Col. Michael Scales, showed her an article about the Ms. Veteran America competition.
Her hesitation turned into determination when she saw the competition was not a pageant -- its mission was helping homeless female veterans and their children.
"The Ms. Veteran America competition highlights more than the strength, resilience, sacrifice and courage of our nation's military woman," she said. "It also reminds America that these women
are also mothers, daughters, wives and sisters."
The woman selected to be Ms. Veteran America also serves as an ambassador for a nonprofit that provides safe housing for homeless women veterans and their children that was founded by Army Maj. Jas Boothe, Scales said.
"It was the mission of [the nonprofit] which ultimately convinced me to join the competition," said Scales.
Scales currently works as a data analyst in the Air Force Office of Small Business in the Pentagon. That office has the overall responsibility of directing, managing and overseeing small business programs for the Department of the Air Force, she explained.
"I'm very passionate about helping others, businesses, and the military, so it is a very fitting position," said Scales.
Applications for the competition were accepted beginning in January and female veterans like Scales have been competing all year for the title. Scales is one of 25 finalists who will head to the national
competition Oct. 9 in Washington, D.C.
"I have to say, I've never felt a sisterhood like Ms. Veteran America has," she said. "My sisters-in-arms and I continuously encourage each other."
According to Scales, each of the contestants are raising funds for the nonprofit and the contest itself features a "push-up princess" competition to see who can do the most push-ups in 2 minutes.
The contest also features a talent competition and an interview. The grand prize winner will receive $15,000 that they can use towards the purchase of a vehicle; educational scholarship (theirs or their
children or grandchildren); or student loan repayment. The winner can also opt to use the money to start a business or as a down payment toward a home or to make home repairs.
"Ultimately, the focus is on being the best version of yourself and exuding Ms. Veteran America's tenants of grace, poise, beauty and service," she said.
Scales said military service is part of her family legacy. Her grandfather, the late Charlie Ferrell, Jr., served as an aircraft mechanic during the Korean and Vietnam wars and encouraged her to serve.
"In 2004, I became the first female and first commissioned officer in my family [to serve]," she said, adding that although he was ill at the time, Ferrell was the first person to salute her after she was commissioned.
"In exchange, I gave him a silver dollar as a symbol of my respect and gratitude," she said. "I've now served for over 10 years. I love my uniform and serving my country."
Scales brought her background in military acquisitions with her when she became a member of the Air Force Reserves in 2015.
"During active duty, I had the honor of being program manager of several platforms to include nuclear weapons security programs, fighter aircraft and small arms," she said. "I was one of four Air
Force Program Managers called to respond to the 2008 California wildfires."
To learn more about Scales, visit her at www.facebook.com/charlyndas4mva2016.
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