Face of Freedom ~ SGT Jill Stevens - Miss Utah

Sgt. Jill Stevens, Miss Utah 2007 visits with Staff Sgt. John Faulkenberry an infantryman from Midland, Texas, at Walter Reed Army Medical Center Oct. 24. Photo by SFC Roger Mommaerts, Jr.

Stevens is a combat veteran, having served as a medic on an 18-month tour in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom with the 1-211th in 2004-05.

SGT Jill Stevens, a member of 1st Battalion, 211th Aviation, Utah National Guard, was crowned Miss Utah Saturday evening, June 30, at the annual pageant held at the Capitol Theatre in Salt Lake City


SGT Jill Stevens is a woman with a mission. She is a the recent graduate of Southern Utah University with a bachelor’s degree in nursing, 12 marathons under her belt, six years as a combat medic in the Utah National Guard, and she’s just applied for a direct commission to become an Army nurse - with the goal to work at Walter Reed with her 'battle buddies'.

She also runs marathons, recently completing the Marine Corps Marathon. She runs her marathons to benefit TAPS - the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a support network for families of those who have died in service. TAPS offers peer support and assists survivors through a wide variety of programs, including programs for children.

SGT Jill Stevens - Miss Utah - will also compete in the Miss America pageant in Las Vegas, Nevada on January 28, 2008.

I believe we will be hearing more from this fine young American. We are proud of you!!!