Local Airman to cheer for sister at Miss America pageant

  • Published
  • By Capt. Angela Walz
  • 142nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Moral support from family members is an advantage that military members often rely upon. In an effort to reciprocate the support he's received from family, one Airman flew from Portland, Ore., to Atlantic City, N.J., this week to support his sister in her quest to represent the nation as Miss America 2015.

Staff Sgt. Scott Watson, a member of the 142nd Fighter Wing Security Forces here, is on hand to cheer for his sister, Miss Alaska Malie Delgado, during the preliminary competition this week as well as during the televised crowning of Miss America 2015 on Oct. 14.

"Malie is very real and down to earth - it will give her an edge in this competition because winning to her isn't worth losing herself and I think the judges will be able to sense that uniqueness," said Watson.

As a proud big brother, Watson boasts of his sister's commitment to the prevention of drunk driving and her vocal talent. "There's been a lot of interest in her acting and singing at a very high level, and she's turned down contracts to do the more important things - like finishing college first," he said.

Watson has also become acquaintances with Miss Oregon Rebecca Anderson. They met when she recently toured the Portland Air National Guard Base and so he said he plans to cheer for her as well.

"This will be a great event. I get to support my sister and cheer for my home state [Alaska] and my adopted state [Oregon] as well," Watson said.

According to the missamerica.org Web site, the Miss America competition has continues to grow since its inception in 1921 and remains rich in history and social significance. Based in Linwood, New Jersey, the Miss America Organization (a not-for-profit organization) provides young women with a vehicle to further their personal and professional goals and instills a spirit of community service through a variety of unique nationwide community-based programs.