Laurel is a 1971 graduate of Ohio University where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theatre and music. Within two months after graduating, she captured the title of Miss Ohio
1971 and then Miss America 1972.
Laurel was the first Miss America to initiate a “mission” for her year which was to support our US military and to wear a pewter wristband with the name of a POW/MIA. Because this was an
unpopular stand, she was heckled, burned in effigy, demonstrated against, and had her life threatened. She remained steadfast to her convictions and brought much needed attention to
our maligned Vietnam Veterans by encouraging public honor for their service while “Welcoming” them home with respect!
In August 1972, Laurel spent three weeks headlining a USO tour to Vietnam and Thailand. The USO troupe was repeatedly in harm’s way and at one point, Laurel’s helicopter was fired upon.
This past August, the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) presented Laurel their “President’s Award” for supporting the troops in Vietnam.”
Laurel had a 50-year career in the entertainment business. She appeared in leading roles for scores of musical, numerous TV commercials and episodic TV shows including; Rockford Files,
Three’s Company, Matlock, Quantum Leap, and a recurring role on “Falcon Crest.” She is the owner of Creative Casting Services which specializes in voice talent for animated feature films.
In 2010, she become a Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS) and accepted a position as Regional Educational Coordinator for DOD’s, Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center of Excellence (at Camp Lejeune, NC) educating Marines and Sailors, diagnosed with TBI, with life coping strategies.
Laurel’s awards include the Tom Dooley Humanitarian Award, the American Academy of Achievement's Gold Plate Award, Ohio University's Outstanding Alumni Award, Ohio
Governor’s Award for Leadership Excellence, plus, a listing in Who’s Who of Outstanding Women in America.
She lives in Leavenworth, WA and is married to USAF Major (Ret), Michael Bozoukoff. Laurel is the author of her forthcoming book, "The Last Miss America in Vietnam".
1971 and then Miss America 1972.
Laurel was the first Miss America to initiate a “mission” for her year which was to support our US military and to wear a pewter wristband with the name of a POW/MIA. Because this was an
unpopular stand, she was heckled, burned in effigy, demonstrated against, and had her life threatened. She remained steadfast to her convictions and brought much needed attention to
our maligned Vietnam Veterans by encouraging public honor for their service while “Welcoming” them home with respect!
In August 1972, Laurel spent three weeks headlining a USO tour to Vietnam and Thailand. The USO troupe was repeatedly in harm’s way and at one point, Laurel’s helicopter was fired upon.
This past August, the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) presented Laurel their “President’s Award” for supporting the troops in Vietnam.”
Laurel had a 50-year career in the entertainment business. She appeared in leading roles for scores of musical, numerous TV commercials and episodic TV shows including; Rockford Files,
Three’s Company, Matlock, Quantum Leap, and a recurring role on “Falcon Crest.” She is the owner of Creative Casting Services which specializes in voice talent for animated feature films.
In 2010, she become a Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS) and accepted a position as Regional Educational Coordinator for DOD’s, Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center of Excellence (at Camp Lejeune, NC) educating Marines and Sailors, diagnosed with TBI, with life coping strategies.
Laurel’s awards include the Tom Dooley Humanitarian Award, the American Academy of Achievement's Gold Plate Award, Ohio University's Outstanding Alumni Award, Ohio
Governor’s Award for Leadership Excellence, plus, a listing in Who’s Who of Outstanding Women in America.
She lives in Leavenworth, WA and is married to USAF Major (Ret), Michael Bozoukoff. Laurel is the author of her forthcoming book, "The Last Miss America in Vietnam".