Stam assists U.S. soldier

Miss America 2009 Katie Stam was in Colorado Springs last weekend helping a local veteran renovate his home to accommodate injuries he sustained while serving in Iraq.

Stam, a native of Jackson County, joined Sears' Heroes at Home program, paired with Rebuilding Together, which have been working on the veteran's home for nearly a month.

As a part of Stam's platform, Promoting Community Service and Involvement, she has been traveling 20,000 miles a month across the country speaking about the importance of volunteering.

Stam said she was thrilled to be able to give back to those who have given so much to the nation through military service.

"It's hard to put into words this kind of feeling you get from helping out a military family," she said.

Stam will soon be off to southern California to help celebrate the Fourth of July, participating in parades and festivities to mark the nation's birthday.