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Backstage at the Ms. Veteran America competition

Scenes from the second annual contest

October 18, 2013 6:45AM ET
The 2012 Ms. Veteran America crown, won by Denyse Gordon, at the 2013 event in Leesburg, Va., Oct. 13.
The 2012 Ms. Veteran America crown, won by Denyse Gordon, at the 2013 event in Leesburg, Va., Oct. 13. Garrett Hubbard for Al Jazeera America
Contestant Marissa Strock, in a Maryland hotel, brushes up on her U.S. history in preparation for the competition. She lost her legs in Iraq after her vehicle was in hit by an IED.
Contestant Marissa Strock, in a Maryland hotel, brushes up on her U.S. history in preparation for the competition. She lost her legs in Iraq after her vehicle was in hit by an IED. © Garrett Hubbard
The contestants listen to instructions during rehearsals.
The contestants listen to instructions during rehearsals. © Garrett Hubbard 2013
Gordon, left, gives Strock last-minute instructions.
Gordon, left, gives Strock last-minute instructions. Garrett Hubbard for Al Jazeera America
Strock gets her makeup done along with other contestants.
Strock gets her makeup done along with other contestants. © Garrett Hubbard 2013
Contestant Katelynn Falcon gets some help with her dress from another contestant.
Contestant Katelynn Falcon gets some help with her dress from another contestant. Garrett Hubbard for Al Jazeera America
From left, contestants Kerri Brantley, Allaina Guitron, Juanita Murillo Garcia and LeeAnna Gregaitis chat backstage before the evening-gown segment of the competition.
From left, contestants Kerri Brantley, Allaina Guitron, Juanita Murillo Garcia and LeeAnna Gregaitis chat backstage before the evening-gown segment of the competition. Garrett Hubbard for Al Jazeera America
Contestant Tonya Rupe helps Strock with her hair backstage before the evening-gown segment.
Contestant Tonya Rupe helps Strock with her hair backstage before the evening-gown segment. Garrett Hubbard for Al Jazeera America
Ann Curtis, left, is congratulated by Brantley and Strock backstage.
Ann Curtis, left, is congratulated by Brantley and Strock backstage. Garrett Hubbard for Al Jazeera America
Guitron prays before the talent segment. A staff sergeant in the U.S. Army, she eventually won the competition and carried away the oversized $15,000 check next to her.
Guitron prays before the talent segment. A staff sergeant in the U.S. Army, she eventually won the competition and carried away the oversized $15,000 check next to her. Garrett Hubbard for Al Jazeera America
A contestant and her shoes backstage.
A contestant and her shoes backstage. Garrett Hubbard for Al Jazeera America
The contestants pose for a group photo in their evening gowns.
The contestants pose for a group photo in their evening gowns. Garrett Hubbard for Al Jazeera America
Strock steps forward to receive the prize for best evening gown, called the You Wear It Well award.
Strock steps forward to receive the prize for best evening gown, called the You Wear It Well award. Garrett Hubbard for Al Jazeera America
As she accepted the award, Strock received a standing ovation.
As she accepted the award, Strock received a standing ovation. Garrett Hubbard for Al Jazeera America

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