From guns to gowns -- security forces Airman to represent Centennial State at national pageant

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Nathan Federico
  • 302nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. --  As a member of the Air Force Reserve's 302nd Security Forces Squadron, Senior Airman Nicolina Villani-Martinez might be training with fully automatic weapons on the range or standing guard during monthly Unit Training Assemblies. But in her civilian life, she trades her Airman Battle Uniform for a different kind of uniform, that of a pageant contestant. And, she made the transition very successfully as she was named Miss Centennial State 2013 by the Miss American Coed Pageant.

"I entered the pageant for two reasons: first, because I knew it would be an amazing experience to meet young women from across the state and make new friends. Second, I strive to be a role model for all young women," said Villani-Martinez.

Villani-Martinez will represent Colorado as Miss Centennial State 2013 during Thanksgiving week at the national pageant in Orlando, Fla. to compete for the national title. Winners of MAC pageants can receive scholarships and cash rewards, besides the crown, of course.

"It is an honor to represent Colorado. Winning the title of Miss Centennial State 2013 has opened new doors for me to become more successful in hopes to positively touch the lives of others," said Villani-Martinez.

Winners of MAC pageants are heavily involved in their communities. For Villani-Martinez, this meant more than 150 hours of volunteer work with different organizations and various communities between Denver and Trinidad during the last 18 months.

And, she plans on being busy the rest of 2013. Besides her Air Force Reserve job as a security forces fire team member, she will be busy making appearances at various engagements delivering speeches, meeting Colorado political leaders, including Gov. John Hickenlooper, and getting ready for nationals.

"Winning the state title is just the beginning," said Villani-Martinez.