The Peoples Health Champions Program honored Gladys Hughes on Dec. 23, 2018, during the New Orleans Saints game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, because at age 89, she won second runner-up in the first Ms. Veteran America competition. She displayed such talent and presence, event organizers asked her to stay on as a judge. Hosted by Final Salute Inc. and held in Washington, D.C., the competition raises funds for a cause near to Hughes’ heart—ending homelessness among women veterans and their children.
Hughes’ work with Ms. Veteran America is just one example of how she’s using her lifetime of experience to help others. As a WWII veteran, as well as an educator, author, playwright and director, Hughes has devoted her life to working with others and helping them be the best they can be.