[ARLINGTON, VA] December 23, 2025 — As announced in an exclusive interview with Good Morning America, the Miss America Organization is proud to share that, beginning this year, the newly crowned Miss America will serve as an honorary USO Global Ambassador during her year of service. This alliance reflects Miss America’s long-standing commitment to leadership, service, and making a meaningful impact in communities across the country.
“We are grateful to welcome Miss America to be a part of Team USO as an honorary Global Ambassador,” said Lt. Gen. (ret.) Michael Linnington, USO CEO. “Her leadership and dedication to service will help us reach more military families and ensure they feel supported—no matter where they serve.”
As an honorary USO Global Ambassador, Miss America will participate in programs, events, and initiatives that directly support military members and their families. Through this collaboration, she will shine a spotlight on the sacrifices of those who serve, inspire others to lead with purpose, and amplify the shared values of service and dedication that define both Miss America and the USO.
Miss America has a proud and enduring history with the USO, with service at the very heart of the organization. Long before formal community service initiatives existed, Miss America stood alongside the USO, supporting those who serve our nation. From World War II, when winners like Jean Bartel (Miss America 1943) raised $2.5 million in war bonds and became powerful symbols of patriotism and morale for troops at home and abroad, to the first Miss America USO troupe entertaining service members on the front lines in Vietnam in 1967, Miss America has consistently championed and uplifted the men and women of the United States Armed Forces.
“For more than a century, Miss America has used its platform to serve and inspire,” said Robin Fleming, Miss America CEO. “The Honorary USO Global Ambassadorship allows us to continue that legacy, honoring the sacrifices of our service members and empowering women to lead with purpose while supporting those who defend our nation.”
“I am deeply honored to partner with the USO as an honorary global ambassador,” said Cassie Donegan Miss America 2026. “My family’s history of military service – from my father to generations before him – has instilled in me a profound appreciation for the men and women who protect our nation. I am grateful for the privilege to support and champion the USO’s mission with the utmost respect and I am humbled to stand alongside an organization dedicated to honoring and supporting those who serve.”
###
About Miss America
Miss America’s mission is Empowering Women to Lead with Purpose as the nation’s premier empowerment platform for young women. Founded in 1921, the iconic Miss America program is also America’s largest provider of tuition-only scholarship awards for women, distributing all scholarships through the Miss America’s Scholarship Foundation Inc. a tax-exempt nonprofit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.