Miss America contestants visit Andrews

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman James C. Dillard
  • 89th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, Md. (AFPN) --  As part of their tribute to America’s armed forces, Miss America 2003 and the 51 women competing for her crown came here Sept. 5 to join airmen for breakfast at the Andrews Officers’ Club.

The airmen ate with the contestant from each of their states.

The contestants signed autographs and had their picture taken with people from their states.

“I know you will enjoy meeting and talking with our troops today,” said Col. Russell Frasz, 89th Airlift Wing vice commander. “Like the participants in the Miss America program, the members of the 89th AW are a wonderfully diverse representation of the best our country has to offer.”

Erika Harold, Miss America 2003, said visiting with the troops is an integral part of her reign.

“It’s very important for us to visit with the people who are making the greatest public service commitment,” Harold said. “I’m glad our tour took us to Andrews. If you want to meet people who are truly American heroes, it’s the men and women of the military.”

She presented Frasz with an official Miss America tiara, which he promptly placed on his head.

The crowd laughed along with him as he performed the Miss America signature wave.