Miss America contestants treat wounded to lunch

Photo by Michael E. Dukes Miss Hawaii, Olena Rubin (wearing white), and Megan Bushell, Miss Kansas, talk to Walter Reed patients during the Miss America Luncheon.

Fifty-two Miss America contestants went to Walter Reed Army Medical Center Saturday and shared a catered lunch with service members injured while serving in the global war on terrorism.

Eight-inch American flags, flanked by state flags, adorned 20 tables in the historic reception hall of the post's old Red Cross building. About 30 patients, their family and friends, sat with contestants from their home states. As they ate they discussed topics like life in the military and trivial facts about their home states.

One at a time, the contestants stood up to tell everyone a little about themselves, the state they were from, and to thank the Soldiers for their service to the country.

"We in Alabama appreciate your service and everything you do for this country, and I thank you very much," said Deidre Downs, Miss Alabama. She pointed out her hometown of Birmingham has the longest and oldest Veteran's Day parade in the country.

"I truly appreciate my freedom as a person and as a woman ... and I just wanted to say thank you so much, because you truly mean everything to us here," said Susan Yara of New Mexico.

Each contestant presented a gift to Walter Reed's patient recreation center -- everything from books to audio tapes.

Alyssa Spellman of New Hampshire said she hopes her gift to the Soldiers would be an inspiration to them as they recover at Walter Reed and later at their homes. Hergift was Christopher Reeve's 4-CD audio book "Nothing is Impossible: Reflections on a New Life."

"Thank you so much for having us here," Spellman said. "I truly appreciate each and every one of you for what you do for our country."

Patients and other guests seemed pleased with the luncheon and social opportunity.

"I thought it was very nice. The contestants were lovely and it was a nice luncheon," said Sgt. Larry Gause, who sat with Miss North Carolina, Miss South Carolina and Miss Iowa.

Staff Sgt. Tim Squires, who sat at the same table with Gause, said it meant a lot to him "that they took the time to visit and eat with us."

Sitting at a table with Miss New Hampshire, Miss Maine and Miss Arkansas, Sgt. David Miller said he really enjoyed the visit.

"We appreciate everything they do for us here," Miller said of the many events offered to patients by Walter Reed's Community Recreation Division.

Miss America contestants visited the medical center as part of the second annual Washington Experience. Representing each state of the union, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Miss America contestants joined volunteers, state directors and Miss America 2004 Ericka Dunlap for a week of activities in the nation's capital.

Earlier Saturday morning they visited the Armed Forces Retirement Home and the National Veterans Medical Center. After leaving Walter Reed they went to Arlington National Cemetery for a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns.

The contestants later attended a closing ceremony at the World War II Memorial on the National Mall.