Fairytale Dreams Published Aug. 5, 2013 By Senior Airman Elizabeth Van Patten 94th Airlift Wing Public Affaitrs ROSWELL, Ga. -- This story begins over two years ago. Already a successful wife, mother, and 94th Security Forces Squadron flight sergeant, Master Sgt. Engel Coulter was hoping to add Mrs. Georgia-America winner. She represented her native Paulding County and the Air Force well, but would not be crowned the winner, or even place in the 2011 pageant. "This was a tough pill to swallow when so much time, money, resources, efforts and sacrifices went into this journey to obtain the crown," said Coulter. She walked away the first time feeling proud of herself. She had taken a chance and gained some valuable knowledge. Most importantly, she had fun. However, looking at the photos from the event, she immediately became aware of one critical mistake. "Everything was brown!" said Engle, "My hair was brown. My dress was brown. My swim suit was brown. My party dress for the opening pageant weekend was brown. My makeup colors were brown." After receiving very positive feedback from the judges, who were impressed by her interview the most, she was encouraged to compete again. Coulter did decide that she would take 2012 off and throw her name in the hat for the 2013 pageant. The reigning Mrs. Paulding County took her place among eight other contestants, June 30. As she participated in each event - the opening party, the interview panel, rehearsals and the primetime finale - Coulter was energized by the easy atmosphere and camaraderie she felt around the other contestants. "Even as anxiety and nerves grew, there was laughter, picture taking, practice of steps and a lot of borrowing of make-up between us," said Coulter. "All the ladies wanted everyone to look their best. It was both surprising and refreshing." As the lights came on for the finale performance, it was apparent she had support in the audience. Every time Coulter was on stage and progressed through the opening number, the swimsuit and evening gown exhibitions and final interview question, members of the 94th Airlift Wing made their presence known. "Give 'er the crown!" barked newly promoted Master Sgt. Darrien Thornton, of the 94th SFS. "Go Engle! Roll Tide!" This support also came in quieter, but just as sincere forms in Lauren Oswald, 94th information protection security specialist. "Engle was there to help and support us - my husband and I - when our daughter was in the hospital for two and a half weeks," said Oswald. "She was so terrific. I just wanted to be here to support her. We wanted to show her how much we really care about her." According to Coulter, seeing and hearing her friends in the audience gave her an added boost she needed to keep going. She had a deep desire to make them proud. Also with her was her husband and biggest fan, Roy Coulter, retired Air Force. Dressed in a vibrant ruby red mermaid sequin evening gown, a stark contrast to the brown worn two years prior, she was escorted onto stage by her husband. He was dressed in a dashing black tuxedo with a tie that matched her dress. As the awards presentation commenced, Mrs. Congeniality, Community Service, Best Evening Gown, Most Photogenic and Best Swimsuit were presented first. Then, fourth runner up, third runner up, second runner up, first runner up. "As fourth and third runners up were announced, I thought, 'so far, so good'," said Coulter. "Breathe and keep smiling. Then I heard, 'second runner up, Mrs. Paulding County.' I was shocked." However, Coulter did not miss a beat. She put a big smile on her face and stepped forward to receive her award, and have her chosen cause recognized. Coulter is an advocate of the Wounded Warrior Project. She was fortunate to return home from each of her three deployments unscathed. "Other veterans were not as fortunate," said Coulter. "Winning the crown can help me further the message that we need to honor and empower our wounded warriors." Since the pageant, Coulter has received numerous accolades and atta-boys from family and friends. She is proud of her accomplishments - as she is already an inspiration to those around her - and second runner up is nothing to sniff at. However, it's not want she wants. "I want the crown," said Coulter. "Mrs. Georgia-America 2014? Yes, Engle Coulter, Mrs. Paulding County will be there!"
