Free Republic

BALTIMORE – Miss Kentucky was crowned Miss USA in the 55th annual pageant Friday night. Tara Elizabeth Conner, 20, of Russell Springs, was crowned by Chelsea Cooley of North Carolina, who is Miss USA 2005.

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – (March 16, 2006) -- More than 15 Marines squirmed in their seats, waiting eagerly in a computer room, scattered amongst circular tables, as Miss USA, Chelsea S. Cooley, finally appeared through the double doors of the Injured Support Unit barracks Monday. The brunette bombshell sat very casually in front of wounded warriors as they tried to catch their breath and build up the courage to ask her questions. “Do chicks dig scars?” asked a curious Pfc. Pete D. Dmitruk, an infantryman with 1st platoon, Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment. Dmitruk pulled...

WASHINGTON (Army News Service, March 20, 2006) – Miss USA Chelsea Cooley soared through the sky at an altitude of 13,000 feet during a tandem skydive with the U.S. Army Parachute Team, the Golden Knights, March 14. The tandem jump was coordinated in conjunction with her USO visit to Fort Bragg, N.C. Millions of people in more than 90 countries watched as Cooley was crowned Miss USA April 11, 2005. A native of Charlotte, N.C., Cooley has spent the past year as Miss USA, championing the causes of breast and ovarian cancer education and research. Cooley has also become a...

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Miss USA, Chelsea Cooley, wore a Marine desert cover, shared personal stories and laughed with wounded warriors to show her support for Marines at the Injured Support Barracks Monday. Cooley, who is from Charlotte, N.C., said she has always wanted to come back to North Carolina and visit with the troops. Although it is not part of Miss USA obligations, Cooley volunteers regularly with the United Service Organizations and speaks with service members all over the world. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Ryan M. Blaich