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Mrs. JBLM selected for Mrs. Washington pageant

Joint Base Lewis-McChord represent

Jamie Johnson will compete in the Mrs. Washington America Pageant in January. Courtesy photo

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Lakewood resident Jamie Johnson has many official titles that she is proud of in life: military spouse, mother, businesswoman, volunteer, community supporter and athlete. However, there's one new official title to add to the list that is near and dear to her heart.

Johnson has been given the title of Mrs. Joint Base Lewis-McChord and will be competing in the Mrs. Washington America Pageant on Jan. 18, 2014 in Bellevue. She is deeply honored to represent JBLM in the competition.

What prompted Johnson to enter the pageant was a longtime dream.

"My daughter and I love to watch pageants together. I was actually in a small pageant while I was a college student and although I didn't place, I did win Miss Congeniality," she said. "It was a great experience that I said I would do again, if given the chance."

So when the opportunity arose, Johnson went for it.

"When I learned about Mrs. Washington 2014, I thought to myself, ‘Why not?'" she said. "I think it's great for my children to see their mom going for what I want in life. Pageants are great life experiences where lifelong friendships can be made and women surround themselves with positive energy."

She was also happy to represent her military spouse community.

"I thought it would be a great way to represent JBLM while competing for a gorgeous crown and admirable title. This pageant appealed to me because it's about celebrating married women with kids, careers and responsibilities who have decided to pursue a dream. My official title in the competition is Mrs. Joint Base Lewis-McChord, so I know I represent military spouses by default. I want to show that military spouses are smart, poised, well-spoken and goal-oriented women."

Through the competition, Johnson wants to bring awareness and support to a cause that greatly impacts the military community: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

"My platform is bringing attention and awareness to veteran PTSD," Johnson explained. "This platform resonates with me because as a military spouse, I am surrounded by servicemembers and their families who are directly affected by PTSD.

"PTSD is the ‘invisible war wound' that has become more common with multiple deployments year after year. Our servicemembers sacrifice so much, so I feel the least we can do is provide assistance and resources to those who protect us on a daily basis. They all come back home forever changed and some servicemembers need extra help."

As an avid runner and marathoner, Johnson ran the local 2013 "Race for a Soldier" half marathon in support of PTSD awareness and continues to offer her time and help as a volunteer.

"My continued goals are to bring awareness to this important issue and to find other programs to volunteer my time and assistance. I want veterans to know there is help out there and resources to avoid depression, drug abuse and suicide. I want to assist with eliminating the stigma that comes with asking for help."

Johnson's passion to help is firmly rooted in her top three values: her faith in God and prayer, family and a fierce determination in life. She feels blessed.

"I am a proud Army wife and mother to three amazing children. I love nothing more than to spend quality time with my family and making memories. I know one day I will miss my kids when they have moved on in their lives, so I appreciate every second I get with them. My family is my entire world."

Johnson also adores Washington state (her home of three years) and the love and support of the JBLM and Lakewood communities.

She's also determined and doesn't let obstacles deter her from her goals. She graduated from college with a toddler to care for, competed in several marathons and is now earning her MBA while working full time - all while being a wife, mom and volunteer.

"I am extremely determined and I hate to hear ‘no,'" she said. "It's important to me to go for what I want." 

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