Heather French Henry

Miss America 2000 - Champion for Homeless Veterans

* Recipient of the 2003 Speaker of the Year Award from Delta Sigma Rho-Tau Kappa Alpha, the oldest National Honorary Speech and Debate Orgianization in America.

"Mrs. Henry does not hesitate to use her humble background to tell others that it is the obstacles in life that make us strong men and women. She communicates... that the only limitations we have in life are those we impose on ourselves. A polished, positive and persuasive speaker, Mrs. Henry embodies all those qualities that we as forensic coaches and educators try to impart to our students. She is a gifted speaker ..." Judy Woodring, Director of Forensics/Western KY University

As the daughter of a disabled Vietnam veteran, Heather French Henry has experienced the pain and suffering that can come with military service. Throughout her life she followed her father in the halls of VA hospitals for treatments, experienced his night terrors and stood by his side in his miraculous journey "home" from the terrors of war.

After winning the title of Miss America 2000, she traveled more than 300,000 miles across the United States on a national speaking tour entitled "Our Forgotten Heroes: Honoring Our Nation's Homeless Veterans." Throughout her year she not only visited veterans facilities, meeting and talking with veterans, but her platform often took her to our nation's capital to lobby members of Congress and the Senate on veterans' issues and legislation. During her tour, veterans' healthcare issues became another serious focus and a second campaign began entitled "Fighting the Silent Enemy: Hepatitis C." Touring the country with Hepatitis C advocates, screenings were held and hundreds of veterans were made aware of the dangers of Hepatitis C. Housing issues were also a part of Heather's platform. Partnering with the Manufactured Housing Institute and SENCO Corporations, "Homes for Heroes" was born. The program has provided numerous houses to formerly homeless veterans across the nation.

Even after her year of service, Heather is still seen traveling across the country to raise awareness and funding for veterans' issues through the Heather French Foundation for Veterans, Inc., which was established during her tour as Miss America 2000. Recently the "Stuart Collick-Heather French Henry Homeless Veterans Assistance Act," (H.R. 2716) passed with flying colors before the House Veterans Affairs Committee. The Senate version of the bill (S. 739) is currently being reviewed. She is dedicated to raising the ideas of patriotism by educating young and old alike about the sacrifices made by the men and women who have served our nation.

In Heather's own words: "I will always be the daughter of a veteran and therefore I will always honor those who fell by continuing to serve those who live."

Heather now lives in Louisville, Kentucky with her husband, Kentucky's Lt. Governor, Steve Henry, MD and their two daughters. Heather is the only reigning Miss America to win the Woman of Achievement Award, honoring her accomplishments on veterans' issues during her reign. Her efforts continue in three major areas. As a professional speaker, Heather takes her passion and expertise to the public at large. Her belief that one person can make a difference moves audiences across the country to embrace their own dreams and their responsibilities as part of the fabric of their communities.

Heather's Programs Include:

Our Forgotten Heroes: Honoring Our Nation's Veterans "Every veteran's daughter" passionately advocates remembering our nation's heroes, and never forgetting the price of our freedom.

Shaping the Future In this specially designed address for educators, Heather reminds those who teach that one person can make a difference; it was one of her very own educators who shaped her aspirations and dreams to strive for college and to be crowned Miss America.

Putting a Human Face on Healthcare As a daughter of a disabled veteran, Heather followed her father in and out of hospitals. This presentation encourages healthcare professionals to see the person, not the patient, and to know how their caring can bring about both the physical and emotional healing of those whom they serve.

McKinney Associates, Inc.
Post Office Box 5162
Louisville, KY 40255-0162
info@mckinneyspeakers.com