ABC News selects person of the week
I think Marie Antoinette would have said, “Let them eat cake” but Queen Jessica said she would be honored to fulfill her duty. Her duty in the military that is. Several years ago she signed up for the Minnesota National Guard wanting to serve her country. She is now a college senior and last summer was selected to be Queen of the Lakes. And now:
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Jessica Gaulke is trading in life as Minnesota’s queen of the lakes for a year in the Iraqi desert.
Gaulke, chosen as Minneapolis Aquatennial Queen of the Lakes in July, is giving up her title because her National Guard unit has been activated for duty in Iraq. The 22-year-old Augsburg College sociology student will be going to the Mideast as a diesel generator mechanic.
“It really wasn’t a decision that was mine to be made,” said Gaulke, a former Miss Robbinsdale. “My unit’s going. I’ve accepted it.”
ElMarStel said,
November 18, 2006 at 1:40 am
why is she giving up het title than??? YOU CAN’T GO TO IRAK WITH YOUR TITLE…i dont get it,sorry
Mirjam said,
November 18, 2006 at 2:19 am
and why? all for some weapons of mass destruction that wasnt even there. Operation Iraqi Liberation… that is what they called it the first few days until they saw what it spelled out…
majong said,
November 18, 2006 at 7:37 am
Wow that is living in two worlds at the same time, you wouldn’t expect that from her when you see her. Ehmmm how do you call that…something like preconceived opinion
maxima said,
November 18, 2006 at 11:39 am
@elsmarstel: She has to make public appearances for charity(hospitals etc) and to promote Minneaposis’ lakes(tourists). There are alot of these, several every week and many more over the holidays. And they just won’t let her do it by cell phone from Iraq!
@Mirjam: yah, when she signed up she wanted to serve her country. And she does not get to choose what that is. When her unit is called to active duty, then it is time to go even if you don’t agree with the destination or cause. I can’t imagine being in that position. I really feel for her and everybody else who is called up. This story really touched my heart
@Majong: Yah…not quite what we think of as soldiers. I wish her well.
Mirjam said,
November 20, 2006 at 12:35 pm
Yeah specially the gaurd… most want to be on their home soil to protect their own community! They do such great work!