Charleston reservist reaches for Ms. Veteran America crown

Published July 22, 2012
By Staff Sgt. Rashard Coaxum
315 Airlift Wing Public Affairs

JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Sitting in front of an interview panel in the big city of Washington D.C., Tech. Sgt. Kierstin Flores waited patiently but nervously for her chance of a lifetime.

As the many possible questions she would be asked by the panel ran through her mind, she relaxed and took it all in.

Flores - a technical sergeant and aerial transportation specialist assigned to the 81st Aerial Port Squadron at Joint Base Charleston, S.C. - was preparing for her first step in a run to the title of Ms. Veteran America.

"I had always dreamed of participating in a contest geared for women serving in the United States military," Sgt. Flores said. "Therefore when the opportunity arose, I auditioned."

On June 9, Flores flew to Washington to audition for the Ms. Veteran America pageant, which consisted of a five-minute interview and a talent presentation where she was judged on her grace, poise, confidence and personality. Of the 180 applicants, Flores was selected as one of the top 50 to compete in the Ms. Veteran America pageant Sunday October 7, at the Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City in Washington.

By participating in the Ms. Veteran America pageant Flores hopes to serve as an example of courage, strength and beauty for other veteran women in the military.

"I first started competing in fitness pageants in 2005 while I was stationed at the Pentagon," she said. "Then I got the fitness pageant bug and continued on, competing in at least two competitions a year."

Since that first pagent, Flores competed with several different fitness organizations throughout the U.S. to include the National Physique Committee, Ms. Fitness America and Ms. Fitness Universe.

"In April I started training for the Ms. Veteran America pagent and I've refreshed my gymnastics and fitness skills in order to make my routine competitive," she said. "Not only does my talent routine consist of showcasing my physical abilities, but I also show my support for the U.S. Air Force by citing the Airmen's Creed."

Flores, a 15-year-Air Force veteran, joined the military in 1997 at 17. After completing basic military training and her pharmacy technician technical school, she landed her first assignment at Keesler Air Force Base Biloxi, Miss. and later transferred to the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Landstuhl, Germany.

She would go on to her next assignment at the Pentagon in the flight medicine clinic from 2002 to 2005, before separating from active duty and becoming a reservist.

During this time, her dedication and commitment to the Air Force led her to receive a selection for senior airman below-the-zone and a first-ballot selection for staff sergeant.

Chief Master Sgt. Bradley K. Levander - a senior air reserve technician assigned to the 81st Aerial Port Squadron at JB Charleston, S.C. - remarked on Flores' dedication and leadership and what she's meant to the 81st APS since she's been a member of the unit.

"As the senior ART I have the opportunity to work with exceptional people and she is on top of the list. She epitomizes the Air Force core values," he said. "Her participation in this event shows how versatile she is and how talented she is in all aspects of her life. A true citizen soldier."

"She is an outstanding troop and a great leader," he continued. "Anything I need of her, she's always right there and on top of it without hesitation. She's truly dedicated and loves the Air Force."

Today, Flores thinks back on her time on active duty while looking forward to what awaits her in life as a reservist.

"I enjoyed serving on active duty, but I love being in the reserves because it gives me flexibility," she said. "The reserve family is a small group that is united in completing the mission at hand by first taking care of their people."

As she presses forward to her goal of being crowned Ms. Veteran America, Sgt. Flores hopes to be a beacon of light on women's issues in the military and be an example of empowerment, knowledge and selfless service to her country.

She also wants others to see that life should be about how you can better others and not yourself.

Every day you should strive to do something positive for someone else. You will never know how greatly it will affect them," Flores said. "A small thing can mean the world to someone else."

To stay up to date on Kierstin Flores and her quest to become Ms. Vetaran America, "like" her Facebook page.