The Military Star Pageant was inspired by U.S. Army Veteran PFC Raymond E. Neff, who proudly served as a helicopter gunner in Vietnam with the 118th Bandits AHC. His stories, his dedication to honoring his fellow service members, and his commitment to raising awareness instilled in us the passion to continue his legacy. Today, we carry that spirit forward by supporting those currently deployed and those who have served.
By blending our love of pageantry with our mission to “Serve Those Who Have Served Us,” the Military Star Pageant is proud to “Shine for Our Heroes.”
Our crowns and sashes are more than symbols—they are tools we use to serve. Through personal platforms and the initiatives of the Military Star Organization, our queens and volunteers work hand in hand to make a difference in communities across the nation, changing lives one act of kindness at a time.
At the heart of it all is our Star Sisterhood—a family of titleholders, volunteers, and directors united by a shared devotion to the men and women of the Armed Forces. Every member of our staff serves as a volunteer, giving their time, talent, and heart to a mission bigger than themselves.
Beyond service, we strive to help every girl and woman in our program grow into her best self—confident, compassionate, and empowered to lead.
Our mission is to “Serve Those Who Have Served Us” by “Shining for Our Heroes.”
The Military Star Pageant empowers girls and women to grow into stronger individuals by celebrating their unique talents and voices. Through their personal platforms and the support of the Military Star Organization, a nonprofit, we channel our efforts into uplifting our Armed Forces—supporting active-duty service members, veterans, and military organizations.
Together, Miss Military Star and the Military Star Organization raise funds, collect donations, and spread awareness to create meaningful change for the men and women who safeguard our freedom.
Our queens are at the heart of this mission. Through their dedication and service in communities nationwide, they represent the values of our organization while helping it thrive. Beyond the competition, we foster a sisterhood unlike any other, built on purpose, passion, and unity.
At our core, we are committed to two goals: supporting our Armed Forces through philanthropy and empowering our participants to grow as leaders and individuals.
NATIONAL STAFF
isabella firster
Isabella started Military Star when she was 6 years old with her Grandfather Raymond. She listened to his stories of being a Vietnam Veteran as a Specialist Assault Helicopter Gunner with the 118th Bandits. Together they started raising funds for Veteran organizations through pageantry and so far, has donated over $50,000 to different Veteran related organizations just in her home state of Pennsylvania! It has since grown into many different states to become Miss Military Star and it’s own nonprofit Military Star Organization. She has earned many pageant titles of her own and has won many Presidential Service and Congressional Awards for her work ethic in service to her communities. She is a competitive twirler and is attending Penn State University as part of the Schreyer Honors College.
melissa firster
Melissa resides in New Castle, PA with her husband Ed and their two daughters. She’s been involved in pageantry for over 20 years as a competitor (Miss Pittsburgh 2001) judge, and her most recent endeavor as a pageant mom! Her daughters hold many local, regional, state, national and international titles. She is a mastered pianist and enjoys playing when she can! She is also co-founder of the Miss Military Star Organization which focuses on giving back to our nation’s service men and women organizations. Coming from a long line of Veterans, she believes that we can never say thank you enough to anyone who protects our freedoms! She especially loves giving back to her community and helping others achieve their goals!
JARAH ROXBERRY
Jarah is the proud relative to someone of every branch of our U.S. military. She is the mother of 5 children and pageant mom, with her daughters winning multiple titles throughout their pageant career. Her daughter Tasia created the Hearts for Homeless fundraiser pageant that they co-direct yearly as a fundraiser for homeless Veterans. Together they have raised countless amounts of food and monetary donations through their advocacy. Jarah's goal as a director is to help girls and women of all ages realize the importance of supporting our military and bringing awareness to the issues and sacrifices they face.
REBECCA ANDERSON
Rebecca is a dedicated professional serving as a Supplier Quality Engineer at Parker Lord, where I leverage my expertise in data analysis and supplier metrics to ensure operational excellence in aerospace and defense manufacturing. With a Bachelor’s degree in Plastics and Polymer Engineering and currently pursuing an MBA at Southern New Hampshire University, I’m passionate about applying data-driven insights to drive business success. As Co-National Director for the Miss Military Star organization, I champion military recognition and community engagement. A devoted wife, mother, and dog mom, I find balance in spending quality time with family and friends while contributing to both my professional field and community initiatives.
lisa burdick
Lisa resides in Saegertown, PA with her husband of 26 years with her Boston Terriers and 2 cats. Lisa and her husband have 3 adult children: 2 sons and a daughter. Lisa has been a certified teacher in Elementary and ESL for over 20 years. She has worked with students from age 5 to adults. She has been involved in pageantry for over 19 years as a competitor, judge, and co-director of local pageants. Her daughter has held many local, state, and regional titles. She loves Disney and enjoys traveling to learn about other cultures. Coming from a long line of Veterans and being born on a Navy base, she believes that it is very important to honor our servicemen/women, Veterans, and their families for the sacrifices they make for our freedoms. She loves helping others to be successful!
cierra riddle
Cierra resides in San Diego, CA, where she studies and practices marine animal training and care. She has been involved in the pageant world for over 12 years and is the recipient of a Lifetime Presidential Service Award. Growing up, Cierra always had a strong love for our military and its veterans, helping out in any way she could. Little did she know that in 2023, she would become the inaugural National Miss Military Star. After her year of service, she was awarded a position on the board of directors, allowing her to continue giving back to the organization that changed her life.
