Ms. Veteran America Helps Homeless Female Veterans and Their Children, Raising Over $1M

Published Sep 9, 2026, 5:00 AM EDT

Veterans reclaim visibility and sisterhood in Tampa as contestants fund housing, careers and transitional support.

Twenty female veterans will gather Oct. 11 in Tampa, Fla., for the 15th Ms. Veteran America competition, raising money to help other women who served find housing for themselves and their children. The competition at the Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel supports Final Salute Inc., the nonprofit founded by Ret. Army Maj. Jaspen “Jas” Boothe after cancer and Hurricane Katrina left her struggling to find a place to live with her young son. “These women are raising money and advocating for their sisters in arms,” Boothe told Military.com. Boothe said participants have collectively raised nearly $1 million over the competition’s history. Much of that work happens in their own communities, where contestants seek donations and explain why women veterans and their children need help. The finalists face questions about military history, demonstrate their talents and discuss their advocacy.

Retired Army Maj. Jas Boothe founded Final Salute Inc. to help women veterans and their children find stable housing. She also created the Ms. Veteran America competition to support that work. (Photo credit Courtesy of Final Salute Inc.).