'This is not a pageant, it's a movement'

As American Legion member Molly M. Potter basked in the glow of being crowned Ms. Veteran America 2016, she received advice from 2013 winner Allaina Guitron.

“Women have strength, character, discipline and integrity,” said Guitron, a U.S. Army veteran. “You embarked on a journey that is just getting started. Not only did you volunteer to serve your country, you did so honorably. Now, you stand here before all these people – proving your dedication to the cause. This job is not easy. It is not to be taken for granted. It is not just a title – it’s much more than that.”

The Ms. Veteran America title and event was established five years ago as national grassroots effort to shine a spotlight on homelessness among the women veteran population. As she faced a crowd full of family members, supporters and friends, Potter beamed with pride while the crown was delicately placed on top of her long, red curly tresses on Oct. 9 at Shakespeare Theatre, Sidney Harmon Hall in Washington, D.C.

The former Air Force flight test and munitions engineer drew her inspiration to compete for the crown from her mother, a fellow female veteran who looked out for her daughter as she transitioned out of the military and reintegrated back into civilian life.

“My military career didn’t end with a going away party, awards, or even a thank you,” Potter said. “I had severe issues that stemmed from combat, and the military didn’t know what to do with me anymore. I got out and I couldn’t find a job. I was struggling with my mental health, and I had depression.”

She described her struggle as painful and very raw. Potter said she was lucky that she had an incredible family support system that lifted her up.

“If I didn’t have them, I would have been like the 55,000 other female veterans who are struggling day-to-day to put a shelter over their heads,” she said.

Recognized by the judges for her advocacy efforts, Potter spent the year campaigning and spreading the mission of Final Salute Inc., a nonprofit organization that works to eradicate homelessness among women veterans. She attributed her successful campaign to the people she considers her extended family – her American Legion post members, neighbors in her community and the people she works with at Dell.

Onion Creek American Legion Post 326 in Austin, Texas, made a donation to her campaign contributions. The money directly supports combating homelessness by providing women veterans with suitable housing and assistance by reintegrating them into the civilian workforce.

“For me, this is personal. I want to make sure that when my sisters in arms leave combat zones and get out of the military, they don’t have to go through the same things I went through,” Potter said. “I want them to know that we are fixing this and making it a priority.”

Potter hopes the other women she participated in the competition with will continue to set the example, inspire other women and remain great leaders in their local communities.

“This is not a pageant, it’s a movement. Together, we are standing in solidarity as a unified voice for female veterans.”

Denyse Gordon, Ms. Veteran America Emeritus, said she hopes interest in the event will continue to grow.

“To see how it has grown tremendously and share this experience with fellow title holders warms my heart,” said Gordon, who also praised Potter’s tenacity and drive to help other women veterans.

“I hope Molly enjoys her year of advocacy. It is a lot of work, but the year goes by so fast. She is very well-versed and knowledgeable,” Gordon said. “I am confident that she will be able to go out and talk about Final Salute and Ms. Veteran America and come up with creative ways to get the message out. It is important for people to understand why we do what we do.”

For more information regarding Final Salute and registration for Ms. Veteran America 2017, visit the Ms. Veteran America website at www.msveteranamerica.org.