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Beauty queen airman leaving active duty

An Air Force beauty queen is leaving active duty to pursue a career in television, according to a press release from Charleston Air Force Base, S.C.

First Lt. Kelly George, deputy chief of public affairs for the 314th Airlift Wing at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., will become an individual mobilization augmentee in the first week of August. George, who competed in this year’s Miss USA pageant as Miss Arkansas USA, will transition through the Palace Chase program, which allows active-duty airmen to complete their service obligation in reserve status.

A recent change to the Palace Chase program means George can complete her obligation as a reservist in the same amount of time she would owe on active duty. When the program reverts to its previous standards on Oct. 1, anyone entering the program could owe two or three times as much time as a reservist.

“To be honest, when I started the program it was under the old rule,” George said. “That wasn’t a problem for me, but it was definitely nice when I found out about the new option. I plan to stay longer than my current two-year commitment, but it is always nice to have that option.”

George plans to become a TV news anchor in her civilian life.

“I’m not getting out because I didn’t like the Air Force,” she said. “I just got the dream job offer as a civilian. Now I will still be able to work with my Air Force partners here and pursue that career.”

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Airman Kelly George leaving active duty