FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- A 10th Mountain Division soldier is off to Las Vegas this week to compete in the Miss United States pageant.

Sergeant Amanda Helena Marion has been stationed at Fort Drum since 2004.

In April, Marion was crowned Miss Massachusetts United States. Marion's personal platform is, "Waving Our Flags for Veterans."

"Basically I want to be able to help promote better healthcare for our veterans both past, present and future soldiers who are disabled because they fought and try to get better living conditions as well. A lot of thee homes for veterans are very run down, especially in my state it seems like they're not taking adequate care of our veterans and I think that's very important," said Sgt. Marion.

Marion said being in the Army has prepared her for the pageant's interview process and physical fitness aspect. The pageant is being held July 16-17th at the Orleans Hotel and Casino.