FORT BRAGG, N.C. – Army Reserve Family Programs conducted a one-on-one interview April 10, 2017, with Miss USA title holder, Capt. DeShauna Barber. In this Q and A session, Barber shares her thoughts on how a strong family dynamic plays a key role in the Army Reserve’s mission readiness. She also offers insight on the day to day challenges of balancing her military and civilian career with her role as Miss USA.
The Columbus, Ga., native joined the United States Army Reserve at age 17. Barber attended Virginia State University and graduated with a degree in Business Management and Commissioned as a Quartermaster Officer in 2011. She later attended University of Maryland where she earned a master’s degree in Management Information Systems. On June 5, 2016, Barber was crowned Miss USA 2016 by outgoing titleholder Olivia Jordan of Oklahoma. She represented the USA at Miss Universe 2016, where she placed among the top 9 finalists.
Barber is the first Miss USA to be actively serving her country in the United States Army Reserves. She is currently serving as an Army Reserves Logistics Commander for the 988th Quartermaster Detachment Unit in Fort Meade, Md., and also works as an Information Technology Analyst for the United States Department of Commerce.