Lisa McCoy aims for Ms. Veteran America

Lisa McCoy enlisted in the U.S. Army to help others, and that same passion has led her to compete in the Ms. Veteran America contest.

“I wanted to do this competition because I love to help people, to stand for something greater than myself,” she said. “There is no expiration date on the oath I took when I enlisted in the Army. You never leave a comrade behind. These courageous women veterans are my sisters in arms, and I will always have their six no matter what they need. If I can raise awareness and funding for Final Salute Inc. to assist them, then, of course, I’m going to do it. It’s a privilege and honor to compete for Ms. Veteran America, and I can’t wait for the semi-finals in June in Tampa, Florida.”

McCoy said Ms. Veteran America was created to support and amplify the mission of Final Salute Inc.

“Every contestant becomes an advocate, a voice and a representative for women veterans facing homelessness,” she said. “Every contestant who enters Ms. Veteran America becomes part of the legacy Jas built. Former Maj. Jaspen 'Jas' Boothe, United States Army veteran, is the visionary founder behind both Final Salute Inc. and the Ms. Veteran America Competition. Final Salute Inc. was founded in 2010 to provide safe and suitable housing to homeless women veterans and their children. The organization offers transitional housing, emergency financial and supportive services, and helps women veterans regain stability and independence.”

Ms. Veteran America was established in 2012, and the competition is not based on beauty. It is based on advocacy, leadership, service, presence and purpose, and contestants serve as ambassadors for Final Salute Inc.

“I hope to grow in knowledge of past and present issues women veterans face so we can better prepare for the future,” McCoy said. “I aim to represent both organizations with professionalism, accuracy and integrity.”

She is raising awareness about homeless women veterans and their children by:

—Being visible online through Instagram and Facebook for advocacy, fundraising, community engagement and sharing her journey.

—Using items for promotional purposes of flyers, business cards, letters and apparel, bearing the branding and logos of these two organizations.

—Holding an online fundraiser on both social media accounts for Instagram and Facebook, planning for donation drives, partnering with local businesses to raise funds, and holding some raffles.

“The best way that people can help support me is by liking my Instagram and Facebook pages, sharing those pages, and making a donation to Final Salute Inc. via check made payable to Final Salute Inc.,” McCoy said.

All donations are tax-deductible under IRS code 501(c)(3), and in the memo line, put "For Contestant Lisa McCoy."

“This ensures I receive proper credit for the donation,” she said. “I can make arrangements for check pickups with anyone who would like to donate.”

McCoy served in the U.S. Army as a military policeman (95B). She started in 1998 on active duty, stationed at Fort Bliss in Texas after completing basic training and advanced individual training at Fort McClellan in Alabama. She then transitioned into the individual ready reserves and then to the Army Reserves when she relocated back home from Texas.

“I enlisted because I always knew I wanted to help people in any way that I could and wanted to be in law enforcement,” McCoy said. “I graduated from River View High School in 1998 and was only 17 at the time, so being a cop at that point was not feasible as I was not 21 and able to go through training in the civilian sector. The next best thing was enlisting in the U.S. Army so I could fulfill my dream of wanting to assist, protect and defend.”

McCoy reminds other female veterans they are not alone.

“They are seen. They are heard. They are resilient. They are beautiful inside and out, courageous, undefeated,” she said. “They carry the discipline of a warrior and the heart of a leader. That blend of strength, intuition and compassion is unmatched.”