Heather Renee French, Miss America 2000, was a big hit at the Iwo Jima Survivors Association of Texas (a national organization). She was the speaker at the reunion’s Air Force-Sea Force Luncheon. French’s platform for the year of her reign is honoring America’s homeless veterans.
Daughter of a disabled Vietnam veteran, she pledges to “urge all Americans to lend their support to these often forgotten men and women.” She was a hit with reunion members. Her message, according to reunion chair, Cy Young, was “strong, sincere and clear.” He continued enthusiastically that Heather French is such a special person that she “makes all veterans proud to have her on our side.”