Fallen heroes family recognized

As part of the fourth Project Gratitude event, 20 wives and daughters of fallen U.S. military members will be invited to the Miss America pageant Saturday, Jan. 12, in Las Vegas. In honor of their loved ones, each woman will be pinned by former Miss Americas with a crown pin to symbolize their status as an honorary Miss America.

Included in the honorees are Sarasota residents, Betsy Jackson and her daughter, Kiera, the wife and daughter of Chief Warrant Officer Kyle Jackson, who was killed in Mosul, Iraq. The Jacksons and other families will receive VIP treatment during their stay, before being recognized on Saturday.