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There is a Mrs. JBLM?

Sarah Alsup to represent base at Mrs. Washington International

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Mrs. Sarah Alsup wants the crown, and she wants to bring it home to Joint Base Lewis-McChord. The Army wife fell in love with pageantry as a child when she competed for the first time and has never looked back.

"Officially I am competing for the title of Mrs. Washington International, but because I reside on JBLM, I was designated Mrs. JBLM," she explained.

So while there was no actual "Mrs. JBLM" competition, Alsup was given the title in order to compete in the larger pageant. However, if there were someone else interested in representing JBLM after this year, organizers might need to adjust the titles to reflect designations by city or county, too.

The mom to two daughters and a stepson has been at JBLM for just more than a year since her husband, Sgt. Dallas Alsup, PCS'd from Fort Drum, N.Y. She will take hold of her updated title, Mrs. Joint Base Lewis-McChord International 2014, on Aug. 1.

"Obviously I didn't do as well as I wanted to," she said, referring to the fact that she didn't place in the April 2013 pageant. "But I think having experienced the pageant already will help me improve in this year's competition."

The 2014 pageant date is not yet set, but will likely be held between February and April. Alsup will continue training and spend time upholding her platform of "Returning the Service," which focuses on volunteerism and her work raising support and awareness for military and veteran causes.

"I take pride in supporting my community and believe that this is something fun and amazing that will bring light to a great community like the military," she said.

Technically, Alsup, 26, can compete for as many years as she wants to in the Mrs. Washington International pageant and will only be prohibited from competing if she wins and holds the title.

"People might have a misguided conception about what a ‘Mrs.' Pageant entails - that you have to be a doctor saving lives or a size two in clothes, or they think that because they are a stay-at-home mom they can't do this," Alsup said. "But it is possible."

In January, Alsup opened her own home-based business, Patriot Pageant Productions, which might help people with those misconceptions and others.

"I think pageants should be open to everyone that would at least like to try and see if they like it," she explained. "Plus, it seems like there's not as many pageants in Washington, so I can help people learn about them. Pageants mean you get to meet a lot of people and just have fun."

In addition to volunteering regularly at the USO, Alsup also serves as a point of contact for the 4th Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) where her husband is assigned.

"I love (being a military spouse)," she said. "The support that you get to offer to him and his unit is amazing ... a real sense of pride comes along with it."

Alsup would also like to reach out to local organizations.

"If any local organization is ever in need of an event volunteer or would like me to make an appearance, I am happy to come and show my support," she said.

To reach Alsup or learn more about Patriot Pageants, call (253) 448-2186 or visit www.facebook.com/pages/Patriot-Pageants/136262566539272.

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