Canadian veteran first to compete in Mrs. Universe pageant [Video]

In less than a year, an Alberta woman has gone from gracing the stage at her first pageant to competing at the Mrs. Universe pageant in South Korea. She’s making history by becoming the first Canadian veteran to compete internationally.

Following her father’s footsteps, Giselle Drew Walsh joined the Canadian military, serving as an infantry soldier for 16 years. Once she retired, Walsh dedicated her time to advocacy and spreading awareness about PTSD that soldiers face when they return from duty.

“We have lost more soldiers to suicide since the time of Canada’s participation in the war in Afghanistan than the soldiers that unfortunately lost their lives while there,” said Walsh.

“I’ve seen firsthand what post-traumatic stress disorder can do to somebody who’s struggling and doesn’t have adequate resources.”

For about a decade, Walsh has spoken on multiple stages and on podcasts spreading awareness and education about PTSD soldiers’ experience, …