Bryant visits Wounded Warriors

Jessica Bryant, Miss New York International 2008, went to Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base to spread holiday cheer through the Wounded Warrior Project (www.WoundedWarriorProject.org)

She traveled with members of the Nassau County Volunteer Fire Department, after assisting them in a fundraiser and collection drive, which raised ample funds to add another volunteer to the crew.

Crew members traveled in vans to visit wounded soldiers, men and women, at Bethesda Naval Medical Center and Walter Reed Army Medical Center, while Bryant and members of the crew met them at Camp Lejeune, in North Carolina

They presented gifts and supplies to the military heroes who have recently returned home after sustaining injuries from battle, or who are undergoing treatment for their injuries.

Bryant joined members of the Nassau County Fire Department in an honorary dinner held at Camp Lejeune to thank them for their donations and time. She provided entertainment before dinner by singing America the Beautiful and Amazing Grace, accompanied by the bagpipes played by Bill Grogan, a retired Marine, and current Nassau County Fireman. After singing, Jessica was serenaded with the Marine Hymn by all present. They were housed in the Marine barracks.

Bryant said, 'It was an extremely rewarding yet very difficult, humbling experience. As a child, war seemed like something my 'ancestors' did. My uncle, grandma and grandpa were all Marines. Now, I have so many peers and friends who serve, and those I met were very young. I was overcome meeting these heroes face-to-face, many who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country, our safety, and our freedom.'

She plans to continue philanthropic efforts with the Wounded Warrior Project. Additionally, she led a small workplace donation drive in November with some co-workers, and sent holiday packages to Soldiers in Afghanistan.

The 2002 Newark High School grad lives in Long Beach, Long Island. She is employed by Del Laboratories, where she's an Assistant Marketing Manager for Sally Hansen Personal Care. Sally Hansen is a sponsor of Miss New York International 2008.

Bryant was crowned Miss New York International in August, and she'll compete for the title of Miss International in July, in Chicago.

Recently she hosted a party at Schneider Children's Hospital, and she volunteers as a Wishgranter with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York.

On Super Bowl Sunday in February, she will make her second dip into the frigid Atlantic Ocean to help raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Last year's event raised over $270,000 in memory of Paulie Bradley. Visit www.LongBeachPolarBears.org for more information.

'As Miss New York International, I have many opportunities to assist the community and am fortunate to be living in an area full of such generous individuals and community groups. The members of the Nassau County Fire Department have accepted me and welcomed me as if I were family. There is a great deal of need in this region, and certainly across the country, and I am so grateful to have the ability to help where I can. I credit being raised in Newark for the generous and giving spirit that guides my life and my actions. I am honored to be among so many others, combining time and talents to benefit those in need.'

Please visit www.MissNewYorkInternational.com for additional information.

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