The Internet has been dominated by what is called the “Don’t Rush” challenge, involving quick cuts, transformation and coordination with people in different locations. Pin-Ups For Vets took on that challenge and their efforts have resulted in a widely popular video. As of this writing, their video has been viewed 5.7 million times.
Pin-Ups for Vets has been around for 14 years, according to founder Gina Elise. Many of the women who volunteer with Pinups For Vets are veterans themselves.
Ms. Elise elaborates on this experience by stating that, “It’s always great to see those smiles on the patients’ faces when they learn that most of the ladies visiting them are also Veterans. There’s that instant Veteran-to-Veteran bond. So in the video, you’re watching the ladies in their pin-up, looking glam, and then the hold the red flower in front of the camera and BAM! You realize they are also a Veteran!” She goes on to say that “Some of the ladies have told me that they are not seen as a Veteran because they are a woman. Some of them get asked, “Your husband is the Veteran?” So I would also hope that we are changing the stereotype of what a Veteran is–To get people to see that so many incredible women have also served our Country as well. Don’t judge a book by its cover. The glamorous lady you are looking at is also a warrior. I think it is best summed up by one of our Ambassadors who is featured in the video, Jovane. She has said, “There’s nothing that says I can’t be a hard-charging Marine and a lipstick-wearing pin-up. So I choose to be both.”
This video isn’t the first popular coverage that Pinups for Vets have had. They were featured on the Mike Rowe show “Returning The Favor“. They have toured many hospitals, visiting patients and bringing joy everywhere they go.
As noted, many of the volunteers are veterans. In this video, there are 19 women who served their country:
LeahAnn Sweeney (USMC Veteran)
Erikka Davis (Army Veteran)
Jennifer Brofer (USMC Veteran)
Simone Lara (Army)
Jessica Gross (USAF)
Megan Martine (USMC Veteran)
Liz Hensel (USMC Veteran)
Vanessa Mahan (Navy Veteran)
Rosario Rivera (Army Veteran)
Sianna McNulty (USAF Veteran)
Michelle Rivera (Army Veteran)
Daphne Bye (USMC Veteran)
Tess Rutherford (USMC Veteran)
Allie Florez (Navy)
Shannon Dyer (Army)
Jovane Marie (USMC Veteran)
Linsay Rousseau (Army Veteran)
Marceline Orallo (Navy Veteran)
Donna Callaway (USMC Veteran)
You can support Pin-Ups For Vets in a variety of ways. Watch the video and then visit their website. They have patriotic masks, calendars and other swag. You can also just drop them a note of encouragement.
Author: Jeff Daly
Jeff Daly grew up in Kalamazoo, MI before joining the Marine Corps. After his service he went to the small, private, liberal arts school Kalamazoo College, where he studied Economics and Political Science. Jeff serves The American Legion is several capacities. He is on the Department Training Committee and is an instructor for California Legion College. He is junior/immediate past Commander of Hollywood Post 43. He has been a District officer and served two terms as the Department Membership Director. He is also the immediate past President of the National American Legion College Alumni Associate. Outside of the Legion, Jeff serves on the Military Affairs for Los Angeles Local SAG-AFTRA. You can keep up with Jeff's thoughts on veterans issues by subscribing to his podcast. That is hosted at http://anchor.fm/dalydose. From there you can get links to b subscribe on your favorite music & podcast app.
