MADISON – Sarah Tate’s commitment to her country in military service has blended into her personal life as a finalist in the Ms. Veteran America 2021 competition.

Ms. Veteran America competition highlights more than the strength, resilience, sacrifice and courage of the nation’s military women. The program reminds America that these women are also mothers, daughters, wives and sisters. These women represent the epitome of grace, beauty, poise and service, according to contest officials. (finalsaluteinc.org)

The Ms. Veteran America competition is scheduled for Oct. 10 at 6 p.m. at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando, Fla. Final Salute Inc. is partnering with the America Legion Auxiliary of Florida to present the contest.

Ms. Veteran America serves as an ambassador for Final Salute Inc., which advocates for homeless women veterans and their children. In 2010, a woman veteran and cancer survivor founded the organization when she realized the magnitude of homeless women veterans in the United States. Female veterans feel they are underserved when seeking housing and support services. (finalsaluteinc.org)

One component of Final Salute is Housing Outreach Mentorship Encouragement or HOME, which provides transitional housing, onsite case management, food, clothing, transportation, child care assistance and employment support. Women are led to safe and suitable residences.

Another program, Assessment and Financial Education or SAFE, prevents homelessness by easing financial hardships. SAFE offers financial education on saving, budgeting and living on a fixed income. Emergency financial support is available for overdue rent, security deposits and utilities.

In addition, another program, Next Uniform, helps women entering the workforce with business attire, shoes, accessories, make-overs and professional photographs.

Now a Madison resident, Tate grew up in Fort Collins, Colo. After high school, she served 10 years in the U.S. Army as a combat camera specialist and broadcast journalist. In 2010, Tate left active duty and now serves as a public affairs specialist for Army Contracting Command on Redstone Arsenal. She handles internal/external communication.

With the G.I Bill, Tate earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communication from Wayland Baptist University – Hawaii.

“My passion is people,” Tate said. “As a professional communicator, I’m hoping to use my skills to advocate for women veterans. I decided to compete for Ms. Veteran America because I wholeheartedly believe in Final Salute’s mission.”

“As a woman veteran, I’ve faced my own obstacles. I vowed I would help my fellow sisters in arms. So here I am,” Tate said.

Her children are Breanna and Cameron; the family owns Sarge, their French bulldog. Away from work, Tate enjoys traveling and interior decorating. “I have a supportive family that’s always willing to support my next adventure,” she said.

To attend the Ms. Veteran America competition virtually, tickets are $25 with proceeds benefitting homeless women veterans. To buy tickets, visit Eventbrite.com.

For more information about Final Salute Inc., call 703-224-8845, email leaderships@finalsaluteinc.org or visit finalsaluteinc.org or Facebook/Final Salute Inc. or Twitter @FinalSaluteInc.