Miss Michigan USA records special message for Women Veterans Recognition Day

In honor of Women Veterans Recognition Day, Miss Michigan USA Alma Cooper recorded a special video message to share with Michigan’s 44,000 living women veterans.

Alma Cooper is an active-duty Army officer and graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. She is a graduate of Okemos High School and is currently working towards a master’s degree in data science at Stanford University.

Women Veterans Recognition Day was made a state holiday in 2023 to honor and recognize the contributions that women who served in the military have made since the Revolutionary War. June 12 is the anniversary of the Women Armed Forces Integration Act signed in 1948.

Read a transcript of Cooper’s message below:

Hi! I’m Army 2LT Alma Cooper – a proud lifelong Michigander from Okemos. I’m a graduate of Okemos High school and the United States Military Academy at West Point, and currently working towards my master’s degree in data science at Standford University.

I’m grateful to serve this country as an Army officer AND as Miss Michigan USA 2024. Both are privileges that are bigger than me; I don’t take either for granted.
I wouldn’t be in this position if it weren’t for the resilient, strong and trailblazing women on whose shoulders I boldly stand. I’m humbled and honored to follow the footsteps of amazing women across the state and world who have taken the oath to serve the United States of America. You paved the way for me and I will make you proud! Thank you for all you have done and continue to do!

Women Veterans Recognition Day is June 12th. As a soldier, I’m thankful that upon completion of graduate school, I’ll join the ranks of women who have supported US military operations dating back to the American Revolution. As I reflect on my path from civilian, cadet, soldier and eventually veteran, I'm thrilled that Governor Whitmer signed Women Veterans Recognition Day into law in 2023, making it a permanent holiday in the State of Michigan.

I invite all of you to join me in celebrate women who have served and are serving, by pausing to honor women veterans on June 12th, and every day. Thank you!