Friday, October 22, 1999
Miss America speaks for homeless vets
BY PAUL BARTON
Enquirer Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON — In about as much time as it takes to say “Miss America,” Kentucky's Heather French has gone from the world of fashion studies at the University of Cincinnati to conferring with power brokers on Capitol Hill.
Miss French, who was crowned Miss America four weeks ago, appeared at a joint press conference Thursday with Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott, Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and other members of the Kentucky delegation to speak on behalf of homeless veterans.
The Maysville, Ky., resident and UC graduate student spoke of a “vision of a new patriotism” that calls for taking care of the country's 250,000 homeless veterans, especially through education and training programs.
Just as the country's military has a policy of never leaving its wounded behind, she said, Americans need to care for those who fought to preserve their freedoms but now find themselves out on the streets and out of luck.
“This is every citizen's concern,” she said.
Miss French, 24, has vowed to walk the halls of Congress and state legislatures around the country to make sure that homeless vets are adequately cared for.
“They have been waiting for an advocate,” she said.
Mr. Lott mentioned that President Clinton had just signed into a law a major spending bill that calls for increases in veterans' health and housing programs, as well as more help for homeless vets.
“I have never seen a Miss America have an impact on a subject so quickly,” he said, crediting Miss French. “It is obvious this is not a platform she just discovered. It is one that she has lived.”
Rep. Ken Lucas, D-Richwood, added: “It is obvious she has a lot of passion for this. She comes across in a very genuine way.”
Miss French's father, Ronnie, whom she calls her inspiration, is a disabled Vietnam War veteran.
“It was through his eyes that I learned of the experiences of men and women in uniform,” she said.
Also praising Miss French's efforts was Roosevelt Thompson, 51, a former homeless vet in Washington who now works for Xerox.
“We cannot continue to turn our backs on our sons and daughters who (preserved) our freedoms but now are homeless,” he said.
Mr. McConnell said Miss French's status as Miss America promises “an exciting year for America and an exciting year for us in Kentucky as well.”
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