First Lieutenant Alma Cooper, the reigning Miss USA, spoke to a large audience at the Military Affairs Council monthly breakfast in Junction City. Crowned Miss USA in August 2024 after winning Miss Michigan, Cooper made history as the first active-duty officer to hold the title.

From an early age, Cooper was committed to service. She was inspired by a letter from West Point during her junior year of high school, later graduating from the academy in 2023. Her life motto, “Demand Excellence,” reflects her drive. Currently, she balances her military duties with pursuing a master’s degree at Stanford University as the youngest recipient of the prestigious Knight-Hennessy Scholarship.

During her visit to the Flint Hills Region, she engaged with students at Junction City and Manhattan High Schools, spent time at Fort Riley, and attended a dinner at Kansas State University. Addressing students, she shared her empowering message: “If you can see me, you can be me,” encouraging them to overcome limitations and pursue their dreams, regardless of obstacles.