Erica Walsh Is Competing For Ms Veteran America To Help Fight Homelessness
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Erica Walsh, a military police veteran and owner of a fitness center in King of Prussia, is campaigning to be the next Ms Veteran America and to help homeless women veterans in the process.
Walsh, during an interview with Chris Stigall on Talk Radio 1210 WPHT, said the contest is designed to help female veterans most in need of the assistance.
"Ms Veteran America is, in essence, a way to showcase women veterans and we have partnered with a company called Final Solute and what they are is a non-profit organization for female homeless. On any given day, they say that there are 55,000 homeless female veterans...What we are doing is we are raising money and advocating for these women and we are being the strength and the voice that they need. A big part of the Ms Veteran America is raising these funds."
She feels lucky to have had the resources to not end up in a similar situation.
"I could have struggled had I not had the parents and sisters that I have, my fiance, my friends. I got out and I was lost. I'm 26, who goes to college when they're 26? I'm old. A lot of convincing, a lot of linking up with old friends here gave me the push. I was really nervous at first to start my own business. It's huge stress. But I just did it."
Walsh says the success she's had only strengthens her desire to give back.
"My life is too great. I have so many wonderful things to be thankful for every single day and I want to be able to share that because had I not had this, I would be one of those women and I would've hoped that there was somebody like me trying to help me out."
