The United States Army is proud of all its soldiers, though not all of them will have an Army website dedicated to them. Jill Stevens, Miss Utah, does. Jill is also Sgt. Jill Stevens, combat medic, and a member of the Utah National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 211th Aviation Regiment.
For the past 6 years, Jill Stevens has been serving in the US Military as a Combat Medic in the Utah National Guard, while earning her degree in Nursing at Southern Utah University. In November 2003, Jill was deployed to Afghanistan, returning home in April 2005. She has earned 5 medals for her outstanding service, and was the first female finisher of the inaugural Afghanistan Marathon, making a total of 12 marathons she has completed together with earning the highest Fitness award during Army Basic Training. In representing the Army National Guard, Sergeant Stevens recently addressed Generals from 40 different nations gathered at Hill Air Force Base.
In addition to her US Military service, Jill recently graduated Summa Cum Laude from the Nursing program at Southern Utah University on a four-year leadership scholarship. Last summer, she placed 3rd in the Cinco De Mayo Sailboat Regatta in Mexico, and this summer, Jill was chosen one of four women for the “Women of Strength” featured in Muscle and Fitness Hers Magazine September/October 2007 issue. Additionally, Jill has been a fitness instructor for Gold’s Gym for several years, as well as a bread baker for Great Harvest. Possibly one of the most unusual adventures for Jill though, has been her unexpected experience in becoming Miss Utah 2007, and looking forward to her national competition in the Miss America Pageant in January 2008.
UPDATE: Here’s a post about women medics in combat, and it ought to answer some of the questions about Jill Stevens. Yes, women can be warriors, too.
Table of contents for Jill Stevens
- Our Best: Miss Utah Babe Edition
- G.I. Jill – Army Medic Competes for Miss America
- GI Jill’s Photos on Flickr
- Sgt. Jill Stevens
- Ensure Jill Stevens Is a Finalist
- Sending An American Hero Off to War or
- Guard Medic Focuses On Miss America Title
- More Jill Stevens
- We Are Proud of You, Jill Stevens!
- Jill Stevens Credits Military Service With Her Civilian Success
She has my vote!
Jill, to you and all of your fellow vets…Thank you for your service!
We send the best, the brightest, the most courageous, and the most beautiful.
I like the three last pictures so much better than the first glamour picture. I am glad she isn’t one of those “If I become Miss Airhead 2007 I want peace and food for the world and forbid anorexia from this world” types. Good luck to Ms. Stevens in whatever you decide to do, but please don’t become another Miss Airhead…
[...] Americas North Shore Journal: G.I. Jill – Army Medic Competes for Miss America [...]
[...] blackfive.net, via the website Army.mil/news about Jill here. Here is more information via the blog America’s North Shore Journal which includes photos of SGT Stevens in [...]
Wow…go get ‘em SGT Stevens! Thanks for the photos and the info on such an amazing woman, soldier medic, and nurse!
Could there be any better way to show those little girls what a woman who participates fully in the world looks like? Look at those admiring faces and big eyes. A whole new world has opened up for them. Ironic that a beauty contestant has done more to show women the way in Afghanistan than all of our feminists put together.
Hey Frank,
Wishing for world peace is not so airheaded.
Especially when you have toted an M16 around in a hostile area working for just that.
One of my favorite scenes in a recent movie is in Miss Congeniality when Sandra Bullock really does wish for world peace.
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What a tribute to a true American heroine. Makes a nation proud that we have young people like Sgt. Jill Stevens. This is a great story, especially in contrast with the treasonous rot in Hollow-Wood.
God bless you Sgt! Thanks for an inspiring story.
You have my vote Jill. They didn’t look like that when I was in. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your service to our country. May God bless you.
I just read about G.I. Jill and I’m very excited and proud of her I love the picture with her and the children that is a true pagent winner right there! forget about all the gowns and glamour helping others is where it’s at. Good Luck to you and God Speed
Good Luck
Maybe a movie based on Sgt Stevens/Miss Utah might actually sell some tickets. Nah, what am I thinking?
[...] combined. Bless you Jill, and may smiles continue to follow you wherever you go.Blackfive and America’s North Shore Journal have more on SGT Jill Stevens. SGT Jill Stevens- not your average girl with a gun. Previously: [...]
“…done more to show women the way in Afghanistan than all of our feminists put together.”
Blatant idiocy: the feminist movement is what ALLOWED Sgt. Stevens to serve in such a meritorious manner. Without their pushing for her right to serve, she wouldn’t have been there in the first place.
She might not classify herself as such, but nonetheless she benefits from feminist efforts to protect and extend her rights.
SGT Jill,
You are already Miss America to me. You are everything that is best about America. You serve your country, you serve your fellow man, and you look good under lights or under fire.
God Bless You, Lady. You are already the biggest winner I know.
Subsunk
Sgt Jill
Thanks for serving lady + you definetly have my vote
Hugs
+ God Bless’
John From Pa.
3rd Marines
Nam 67′
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!
What a positive role model for young women everywhere! Congratulations, God Bless and Take care!
If the soldiers of the US Army could vote, SGT Stevens would be a sure winner, as we support and back up each other.
J C, 1SG(retired)
1175 TTU
My 13 and 17 yr. olds have been watching the lead-up to this years Miss America pageant despite my scoffing and scorn. I was made to watch the actual show and was TOTALLY blown away by Ms. Jill Stevens! I thought things had finally changed when my girls said she was ‘the people’s choice’, I cheered her decision to wear a single piece bathing suit, we all cheered when she dropped and gave em’ 20 (or whatever military people say) ….the pageant went on to predictably pick another Barbie-clone, but my girls and I will never forget this particular woman who is REALLY a Miss America to take pride in! Sgt. Stevens we wish you all the best and hope to see you in another venue that continues to inspire the young American women of today!