Arts & Entertainment
Meet Miss Kansas, Sgt. Theresa Vail
One pageant contestant breaks down the stereotypes for both soldiers and beauty queens.
By Kelly Twedell
While she did not win the prestigious crown, Miss Kansas Sgt. Theresa Vail has won the respect for baring her tattoos during this year's pageant.
One tattoo on her left shoulder is the insignia for the U.S. Army Dental Corps and the other is the Serenity Prayer running down the right side of her midsection.
"Why am I choosing to bear my tattoos?" Vail said in a People Magazine interview. "My whole platform is empowering women to overcome stereotypes and break barriers. What a hypocrite I would be if I covered my ink. How can I tell other women to be fearless and true to themselves if I can't do the same? I am who I am, tattoos and all."
While singing opera was not her first choice to showcase her talent, bow hunting and shooting are out. At least for now. Vail is an expert M16 marksman and has a passion for hunting.
Vail was praised all over Facebook and Twitter by adoring fans for being bold and empowering other women to do the same. A salute to Sgt. Vail!
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