February 2001 MOS: Dairy specialist. Grade: Princess.
 Spec. Paula Danyel Kohout, 261st Signal Brigade, serves part time with the Guard as a 31C Radio Operator and part time as the Dairy Princess of the Delaware Dairy Herd Improvement Association. Photo by CW2 Dave Skocik, 1/444th MPAD. |
Det. 1/444 MPAD
02/10/2001
Well, kinda. Twenty-year-old radio operator Paula Danyel Kohout has served Delaware in two ways, both as a guard member and as the state's Dairy Princess.
For more than two years Kohout has served With the 261st Brigade of the Delaware National Guard. And since March 2000, she's reigned as Dairy Princess of the Delaware Dairy Herd Improvement Association.
"It's been a fun time and I've attended more than 20 events in my official role," said the Rising Sun, Delaware, native. She's visited elementary schools, business owners, latchkey kids and legistlators, and has dined with the governor.
Kouhout is proud to be part of the Delaware National Guard family. Her own family has a history of military service, including a father who served in Vietnam.
"Part of my presentation during the competition was about my role in the Guard," said Kouhout.
She mentioned her three weeks in Germany last May in each appearance as Dairy Princess. Though Guard duty cost her two out-of-state trips to meet with other Dairy Princesses, she has no regrets.
Her interest in animal husbandry began with high school courses and involvement with the 4H Club and Future Farmers of America. Though she's never actually lived on a farm, she has six years experience showing horses and cows at competitions.
Showing horses and cows entails hair brushing, clipping, cleaning ears and breaking top lines.
"A top line is the line of hair that runs down the cow's back. It's got to be a certain way for competition," said Kouhout.
Spec. Kouhout applied for the Dairy Princess pageant at the urging of a friend's sister and other who recognized her experience and interest in dairy farming. In addition to knowledge and the poise to quickly answer questions, the competition included an impromptu skit.
Her performance as emcee Molly Moo in "Who wants to be a Milk-N-Airre?" went over well. By evening's end she had captured the crown, the prize money and a princess's clothing allowance.
Although her reign will end March 21st when the next Dairy Princess is crowned, her reign in the Delaware National Guard will continue with her upcoming reenlistment.