Pin-ups For the Troops

Armchair General | July 03, 2007  | 0 comments  | Print  | E-mail

Producer uses classic pin-up recreations to show appreciation to troops

Feeling that today, American troops aren’t being shown as much appreciation as they deserve, Frank Monahan, founder of Rocket Science Productions, came up with something he hoped would show servicemembers deployed overseas just how much they mean to the people back home.

His idea was For The Boys: Pin-ups For the Troops, a book that re-created the classic pin-ups of 20th Century artist Gil Elvgren.

“I set out to do something for the troops that was both entertaining for them and just quirky enough to get the attention of the media, thereby bringing some much needed attention to the troops,” said Monahan. “I’ve always had an appreciation for the drawings and paintings of the great pinup artists, and that’s when it hit me. We could do re-creations of the great Gil Elvgren works, using live models.”

Click on the thumbnails for larger versions.

© Brown & Bigelow, Inc. The Wrong Nail by Gil Elvgren.	© Brown & Bigelow, Inc.; Tom Sapp Re-creation of The Wrong Nail. Model Meghan B. HMU Rosalinda Bathon.

Putting his plan into action, Monahan spent a few months scouring Myspace looking for both photographers and models that had that “pin-up” look.

“Everyone I contacted was very enthusiastic about the idea, and generously contributed their time, energy and talents to what was now dubbed, ‘The Pinup Project,’” said Monahan. “The amazing thing about the talent in this book is that I was able to find both professional and amateur photographers and professional and amateur models, and all did a great job.”

Wanting to truly accommodate the troops that inspired his idea, Monahan created the 156-page book with very tight design specifications. Since the troops work in some of the most extreme environments on earth, Monahan wanted pages that resisted heat and moisture. He wanted the troops to be able to carry the book around with them so he made it a size that would easily fit into the daypack of the average soldier. He also added a unique stipulation for those wishing to purchase the book. In order for you to get one yourself you must purchase one for a servicemember first.

© Brown & Bigelow, Inc. A Good Connection by Gil Elvgren.	© Brown & Bigelow, Inc.; Tiffany Krzywicki Re-creation of A Good Connection. Model Elizabeth Christensen.

“We’re promoting the book as a way for the public to support the troops and show their appreciation for their sacrifice,” said Monahan. “Even though we want everyone to buy a book for a serviceman, there is also an opportunity to get one for yourself. But you have to buy one for the troops first.”

A single book goes for $21.95 and two for $35.95.

The book is priced well under it’s retail value to allow as many people as possible to be able to afford sending a book to the troops. And they just don’t mean the troops serving in Iraq, but troops all over the world. It is even possible, during ordering, to specify a specific servicemember to receive the book. All you need is to provide their address. If no one is specified, they simply prepare a card with the sender’s name and email address and send it to specific bases. If the serviceman who receives it wants to thank the person, they have an email address.

© Brown & Bigelow, Inc. Splendid View by Gil Elvgren.	© Brown & Bigelow, Inc.; Moses Sousa Re-creation of Splendid View. Model Kate Steen. HMU Kate Steen.

As an added bonus, for every book purchased Monahan will make a donation to The Fisher House, a non-profit organization based in Bethesda, MD, that helps the families of wounded and rehabilitating military members be with them during their recuperation.

And not wanting to forget about the ladies in uniform, also available is For the Girls: Men Standing Strong featuring some of today’s hottest male models.

To order or for more information on the project please visit forthetroopsonline.com or visit myspace.com/179123003 or call 866-509-4242.

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