USO: Operation That's My Dress

Wisconsin Teen and Nebraska Teen were on my flight!

Flying over Chicago <3 

          WOW!  I don't even know where to begin about this incredible event!  The USO is such a great organization that helps members of our military and their families in so many ways!  I was honored to be a part of the Operation That's My Dress event in June, benefiting families at Fort Drum. The event took place in Alexandria Bay, New York at the Edgewood Resort.  The Edgewood Resort also provided us Teen USA titleholders with hotel accommodations for the weekend that we were there!

          The first night we had the opportunity to attend the Welcome Dinner!  The resort provided us with an AMAZING buffet to feast on that was absolutely delicious!  It was really fun mingling with all of my fellow sister queens and the other USO Volunteers.   The USO Show Troupe was even kind enough to perform a few songs for us after dinner which is something I will never forget, their voices are incredible.

         

       
         


















The next day was the day of the actual event!!  We started our day with a rehearsal for the fashion shows and then prepped and relaxed for our show for the military daughters!  This was a super fun show because all of the girls in the audience would cheer for the Sherri Hill dresses that they loved.  After our first fashion show, we had the opportunity to help the teen girls pick our their dream dress for prom!  Sherri Hill's donation was SO generous and the girls fell in love with Sherri Hill's designs. I helped two young ladies pick out a dress and I can say that they made a huge impact on me.  These girls know what it's like to overcome obstacles, they have went through countless moves to different states and even countries.  I am so glad they had a day to be pampered and taken care of, they completely deserve it!  After the teen's session we went back to get ready for the active duty member's and military spouse member's runway show then quickly went back to the dress expo after our second fashion show.  I met many military spouses that were so grateful for having the opportunity to pick out a gown for an event.  It was an honor meeting some of the strongest young women who sacrifice as they or their father, mother, or husband is fighting for our country.  This was truly a remarkable experience!

       
       





          After the event, the USO and the Edgewood Resort organized an amazing "Thank You" Party!  This was our last meal together as a group before we all parted ways to go home :'(

       
           I had such a blast the whole weekend and really want to thank the Edgewood Resort and the USO Staff and Volunteers.  This event was so amazing, thanks to everyone's effort in making it the best it could possibly be.  I look forward to another Operation That's My Dress Event in the future!!

Sincerely,
Cherokee Pearce
Miss Oklahoma Teen USA 2015