People ask me all the time how the “Pin-Ups For Vets” calendar project came to be...

A few years ago, I started seeing news articles about under-funded Veterans’ healthcare programs. Then, there were stories about older Veterans who lay in bed day after day, never receiving any visitors.  Reports started surfacing on TV about the severe injuries sustained by our troops fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The more I heard about the uphill battles of our Wounded Warriors, the more convinced I was of the need to produce a project that would bring in funds to support all of our hospitalized Veterans.

My late Grandpa Lou served in the army for 4 years during World War II.  I wanted to do something to honor his name.  I always loved the romance of those bygone eras - especially the 1940’s - and I drew inspiration from the World War II pin-up girls, whose photos and paintings boosted morale for our soldiers fighting overseas.  

I came up with the idea to recreate a nostalgic pin-up calendar that would serve three purposes:

1.  The calendars would be sold to raise funds for our hospitalized Veterans.

2.  The calendars would be delivered as gifts to our ill and injured Veterans with messages of appreciation from the donors.

3.  The calendars would be sent to our deployed troops to help boost morale and to let them know that Americans back home are thinking of them.

Thanks to the wonderful “Pin-Ups For Vets” supporters who purchased hundreds of calendars, the 2007 fundraiser was a success.  Here's a quick re-cap of the 2007 highlights: *** I made many visits to our hospitalized Veterans and Wounded Warriors to deliver the donated calendars. *** I mailed hundreds of calendars to our courageous deployed troops, to our honorable retired Veterans, and to supportive civilians here at home and around the world. *** I partnered with a non-profit group to arrange the delivery of hundreds of care packages to our troops overseas.  *** I  raised thousands of dollars for programs that benefit hospitalized Veterans. *** I received five American flags that were flown by military units in Iraq in honor of the "Pin-Ups For Vets" project. *** I rode in a "Salute to Veterans" parade and sold my calendars there. *** This past year, the California Jaycees Foundation and the California Junior Chamber of Commerce selected me as an “Outstanding Young Californian” for producing this project to support our Veterans and troops.

Dedicated to those who serve our country... I dedicate this calendar to all of our ill and injured Veterans who are hospitalized in facilities all over the U.S. and overseas, to their hard-working caregivers, to our retired Veterans who have honorably served our country, to the military families who have made so many sacrifices, and finally to the courageous troops who are currently serving in the United States military. A Reminder from Gina Elise. . . Please tell your family and friends to visit my website at www.pinupsforvets.com to order a “Pin-Ups For Vets” calendar with a credit card by selecting the “Order Now” button or by mailing a check to: Gina Elise,  P.O. Box 14,  Redlands, CA 92373.  Please send me a photo of yourself posing with your calendar, so I can post it on my website’s “In The Field” pages.  That section is my favorite part of the website because I get to see the wonderful faces of the project supporters!  Thank you all so very much. With much love and appreciation, Gina Elise Website: www.PinUpsForVets.com E-mail:  PinUpsForVets@aol.com