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US Army's Cooper brings inspiration and joy through outreach in New York City

By Master Sgt. Seth Barham, U.S. Army Office of the Chief of Public Affairs - NortheastSeptember 11, 2024

Crown
1 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – BROOKLYN, N.Y. – U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Alma Cooper, the reigning Miss U.S.A., puts on a plastic crown made for her by a student at Public School 104 September, 9 in Brooklyn, N.Y. In a special outreach initiative during her visit to N.Y. for fashion week, Cooper, who balances her military service with her role as Miss U.S.A., served as a 'mystery reader' for the students, engaging with them through a book about determination. (U.S. Army photo by Master Sgt. Seth Barham) (Photo Credit: Master Sgt. Seth Barham) VIEW ORIGINAL
Miss USA 2nd Lt. Alma Cooper participates in 9/11 Day in New York
2 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Miss USA, 2nd Lt. Alma Cooper served as table leader, packing meals to feed the food insecure at 9/11 Day aboard the USS Intrepid in New York City, today. Cooper is the first active duty service member to serve as Miss USA. (Photo Credit: Maj. William Leasure) VIEW ORIGINAL
Class time
3 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – BROOKLYN, N.Y. – U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Alma Cooper, the reigning Miss U.S.A., shows off her crown and sash with students at Public School 104 September, 9 in Brooklyn, N.Y. In a special outreach initiative during her visit to N.Y. for fashion week, Cooper, who balances her military service with her role as Miss U.S.A., served as a 'mystery reader' for the students, engaging with them through a book about determination. (U.S. Army photo by Master Sgt. Seth Barham) (Photo Credit: Master Sgt. Seth Barham) VIEW ORIGINAL
Mystery reader
4 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – BROOKLYN, N.Y. – U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Alma Cooper, the reigning Miss U.S.A., talks to fourth-grade students at Public School 104 September, 9 in Brooklyn, N.Y. In a special outreach initiative during her visit to N.Y. for fashion week, Cooper, who balances her military service with her role as Miss U.S.A., served as a 'mystery reader' for the students, engaging with them through a book about determination.

(U.S. Army photo by Master Sgt. Seth Barham) (Photo Credit: Master Sgt. Seth Barham) VIEW ORIGINAL

NEW YORK — U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Alma Cooper, the reigning Miss USA, made a memorable visit to New York City this week participating in several outreach events throughout the city before and on September 11, 2024.

Cooper attended the N.Y. Mets game on Sunday, September 8, presenting the Veteran of the Game flag to Vietnam Veteran Specialist 4th Class Glenn Kugler as well as interacting with the community.

In a special outreach initiative during her visit to N.Y. for fashion week, she visited Public School 104 in Brooklyn on Monday, September 9. Cooper, who balances her military service with her role as Miss U.S.A., served as a "mystery reader" for the students, engaging with them through an engaging reading session.

Reading time
BROOKLYN, N.Y. – U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Alma Cooper, the reigning Miss U.S.A., reads to fourth-grade students at Public School 104 September, 9 in Brooklyn, N.Y. In a special outreach initiative during her visit to N.Y. for fashion week, Cooper, who balances her military service with her role as Miss U.S.A., served as a 'mystery reader' for the students, engaging with them through a book about determination.

(U.S. Army photo by Master Sgt. Seth Barham) (Photo Credit: Master Sgt. Seth Barham) VIEW ORIGINAL

“I’m honored to visit P.S. 104 to visit with the kids,” said Cooper. “It’s a privilege to exchange stories with these amazing kids and show them they can do multiple things in life with hard work and determination.”

Cooper read a children’s book with Mrs. Kelly Kokotas’ fourth grade class and had lunch with the students to cap off the visit. Her appearance sparked enthusiasm and curiosity with the students as she aimed to inspire and connect with the next generation.

“Having this experience was amazing for our students on so many levels,” said Mrs. Suzanne Gordon, P.S. 104’s principal. “Our students could identify and connect to (Cooper) because she represents the military, Miss USA, women, Latinos and is someone who persevered and wanted to give to others.”

P.S. 104 has students in grades K-8 and serves many military families from Fort Hamilton.

Cooper closed out her New York City visit on board the USS Intrepid on Pier 86 in Manhattan packaging meals for the homeless on Wednesday, September 11. Serving as a table leader, Cooper’s team packed 22 boxes of food that will feed hundreds of people struggling with food security in the region.

Miss USA, 2nd Lt. Alma Cooper leaves a message during 9/11 Day in NYC
Miss USA, 2nd Lt. Alma Cooper signs a memorial board at 9/11 Day aboard the USS Intrepid in New York City, today. Cooper is the first active duty service member to serve as Miss USA. (Photo Credit: Maj. William Leasure) VIEW ORIGINAL

“Participating in 9-11 Day onboard the USS Intrepid was incredibly humbling,” Cooper said. “Packaging meals for those who are food insecure was a powerful way to give back on this day of service and I’m just so thankful to contribute.”

For additional information and media opportunities, contact the Office of the Chief of Public Affairs – Northeast. For high resolution photos, please visit OCPA-Northeast's DVIDS page.

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