Meet Miss USA 2024 Alma Cooper, the Army officer who hopes to become the 10th American woman to win Miss Universe

The 25-year-old was crowned at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada on Monday and will now represent the United States at the 72nd Miss Universe pageant later this year

Cooper, who is from Brooklyn, New York, is a captain in the U.S. Army Reserve and has served in Afghanistan

She is also a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and holds a master's degree in social work from Columbia University

Alma Cooper, a 25-year-old Army officer from Brooklyn, New York, was crowned Miss USA 2024 on Monday at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada.

Cooper, who is a captain in the U.S. Army Reserve and has served in Afghanistan, will now represent the United States at the 72nd Miss Universe pageant later this year.

Cooper is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and holds a master's degree in social work from Columbia University.

She is the first woman to win the Miss USA pageant while serving in the military.

Cooper said she was "honored and humbled" to be crowned Miss USA and that she is "excited to represent the United States on the world stage."

"I am a firm believer that anything is possible if you set your mind to it," Cooper said. "I hope to inspire others to follow their dreams, no matter how big or small."

Cooper's victory is a significant moment for the Miss USA pageant, which has been criticized in the past for its lack of diversity.

In recent years, the pageant has made an effort to become more inclusive, and Cooper's victory is a sign that progress is being made.

Cooper's victory is also a victory for women in the military.

She is a role model for women who are serving their country and for women who are aspiring to careers in the military.

Cooper's victory is a reminder that women can achieve anything they set their minds to, regardless of their background or circumstances.