The Liberty Misses - Macedonia - July, 1996

That day, we flew out by helicopter to more outposts for visits.

Hey Heather and Kim - what's over there?

It is soooo hot in Macedonia. Today it is about 105 degrees.

Everywhere we visited, the troops were all so nice. Although they had limited supplies, they always put on a spread for us when we arrived. This outpost fed us strawberry shortcake!

This outpost fed us fish and chips!

We are sitting inside a tank right now and boy is it hot!

This sign was at the bottom of one of the outposts that could only be reached by climbing over 125 steps! The girls were hilarious on the way down, "Look out for Whitey!" (my nickname) "She's going to fall all the way down the steps!"

We returned to the base that evening and gave one of our last shows in the "swamp."

We loved Macedonia and were sad to be leaving! L-R: Me, Amy, Joanna, Heather, Kim and Tammy

The Liberty Misses - Macedonia - July, 1996

On a couple of different days, our U.N. reps took us out to see the sites of Macedonia.
This is a monument to those lost during the WWI & WWII.

Kimberly and I atop the monument. And of course, the girls are like - Kim - hold on to Kimberly so she doesn't fall!

Tammy and I in our U.N. vehicle.

Heather, Joanna and I climbed up here for this great photo.

The Liberty Misses - Macedonia - July 5, 1996

The next day, we are up and about for our "OP" visits. These are visits to outposts that are stationed on the borders and don't get to come in for the shows. Before we leave, we hand out one more award at the morning ceremonies.

All set and ready to fly girls?

Some of the sights flying over Macedonia.

At one of the outposts, an adopted dog has new puppies and Heather and I immediately love all over them!

At this outpost, it crosses the border of Serbia. So, here we are sitting in Serbia. On our video, the girls started walking away and I laughed and yelled at them, "Hey, you guys left me in another country!"

The Liberty Misses - Macedonia - July 4, 1996

July 4th started with a bang! All day, there was a picnic and fun team competitions. (We even engaged in a little friendly volleyball earlier that day.) That evening, before our show, we helped hand out the awards.

With the base Commander.

One last photo before we start our first show on our Summer 1996 Tour!

(All of the girls had just competed for Miss Connecticut and were so tan! I'm the palest gal there!)

Ladies and Gentlemen, six beautiful women from the U.S.A. - they're known as - THE LIBERTY MISSES!

Starting out the show - 70's style!

It's now time for my solo. Now, let me just explain, I am a known as a "little clumsy" at times. Well, today was no exception! I'm singing to this guy and two seconds after this picture was taken...

...I fall off the stage into his arms. Well, you see, he thought I jumped and so I just pretended like I did and kept on going. However, as you may notice, when he grabbed me as I jumped/fell, my dress slid all the way up my tights and my whole backside was showing to the audience. Luckily, they were covered with tights! Anyway, I kept on singing and moving through the audience. The next day, this young man followed me around apologizing all day because he had gotten in trouble for "lifting my dress." After a while, I finally had to just tell him that I really had fallen off the stage and I was glad he caught me! What an embarrassing moment! Ha-Ha!

The Liberty Misses - Summer 1996 Tour

The Liberty Misses Summer 1996 - Macedonia, Hungary, Croatia and Bosnia

Top L-R: Kim & Joanna
Middle L-R: Kimberly & Amy
Bottom L-R: Heather & Tammy
When we got home, we were honored by the then Governor, John Rowland.

Ms. Petite Connecticut - January 6, 1996

It is now the end of a long, but happy, reign and I am thrilled to pass the title on to a friend, Kimberley Lode. As I had followed Dawn Kendall, this now makes the third Liberty Miss in a row to hold the title! She is congratulated by my new titleholder, Miss Constitution, Merissa Starnes. Merissa went on that year to become 5th Runner-Up to Miss Connecticut as well as the next year winning Miss Connecticut! Dawn and Kimberley both made Top 10 at Ms. Petite International! Way to go Liberty Misses!

Ms. Petite Connecticut - Christmas Show - December 16, 1995

I participated in a Christmas variety show in Wallingford, CT. The hostess, Rodican Rose, asked Miss Connecticut 1995, Amy Zappone, Miss Wallingford, Rebekah George and I to sing along with her for "Winter Wonderland."

Afterwards, Rebekah and I signed autographs and took photos with the kids. I am so proud of Rebekah! I am her director and chaperone for Miss Connecticut. She is an amazing young woman!

Ms. Petite Connecticut - Miss Connecticut U.S.A. - November 25, 1995

I congratulated the new Miss Connecticut U.S.A., Wanda Gonzales just moments after her crowning.

Ms. Petite Connecticut - Newington VA Hospital - November 11, 1995

I also appeared with old friends, The Liberty Misses, at the Newington VA Hospital. The Veterans were great and we had fun. I was pleased to be able to entertain our Veterans at the end of our show by joining in "God Bless The U.S.A."