My name is Stacey Snee and I am honored and humbled for the chance to compete for the title of Mrs. America 2012! As a proud veteran and military spouse I have lived across America and even abroad, but nowhere longer in my adult life than Hawaii. I feel fortunate to call Hawaii “home” and am so grateful to have this opportunity to give back to my community while representing such a beautiful and diverse state as Mrs. Hawaii 2012.

Although sometimes it feels like we just met, I have been married to my amazing husband, Dave, for 9 years and we are blessed with two beautiful children. Dave and I met in Monterey, California; were married in Newport, Rhode Island; and have lived in Virginia, Hawaii, Japan, Washington D.C, and now back in Hawaii overlooking historic Pearl Harbor.

Growing up in a broken home in small town Arkansas was challenging but instilled in me a sense of drive and desire for something more in life. After losing our home to a tragic accident, I left my family to live in a friend’s home. However, I was fortunate to still graduate valedictorian of my high school class and be accepted into the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. I later graduated “with merit” and became a Naval Officer. In my years of active duty service, I was responsible for the safe navigation of a large warship and leading our nation’s young men and women. I am extremely proud of my military service and for the opportunities, education, and the many selfless men and women I had the pleasure of serving with.

I left the Navy in 2003 to pursue my passion for nutrition and wellness. After earning my M.S. in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and completing an internship through Virginia Tech I became certified as a Registered Dietitian (RD).

As a nutrition professional, I have worked with corporate wellness programs and several child nutrition programs including consulting work with the families of young children who were overweight or obese. This work and becoming a mother has made me passionate about issues related to maternal and child health, especially the need for family centered approaches to the fight against childhood obesity.

In my “free” time, I enjoy running, hiking, cooking, and pool or beach days with family and friends. Volunteering with various organizations in the community aimed at healthy lifestyles and supporting activities and resources for military families has been the greatest reward of being Mrs. Hawaii. I am so thankful for this opportunity and the support of my family and friends through it all!