Meet the Pinup Angels
by: Shoshana
A group of girls gathering in a quaint living room, writing love letters, signing photographs, and sorting through piles of snacks would like the makings of a good old fashioned slumber party, but for The Pinup Angels this is business as usual. Founded in 2007 by US Marine Miss Kitty Baby of Seattle, The Pinup Angels seek to “use [their] Pinup Superpowers to send morale care packages to our deployed troops”. Their super powers have now grown to hundreds of care pages being sent out every other month corresponding with the national holidays, by Pinup Angels from all over the country. Care packages include all kind of goodies from practical items like socks and snacks (jerky, nuts, and candy are popular items) to fun items like pin-up magazines, toys, thank you cards, and of course- signed pin-up photographs. Inspired by Kay O’Hara ‘s personal approach to supporting our troops, the gals take the time to make sure each package has a hand signed photograph and hand-written note or letter.
Unlike the first wave of war time pin-ups, which included famous names like Betty Grable and Rita Hayworth, our modern times mean that now it’s not just men serving in the armed forces. Depending on which stats you read, between 15-20% of our military is made up of enlisted women; as a US marine herself, Miss Kitty Baby is acutely aware of this. When quoted the statistics regarding the incredibly high number of female soldiers with sexual harassment and rape reports against their male counterparts[1], and asked if she ever had concerns about the safety of sending pin-up care packages to male soldiers, Miss Kitty responded, “We send our pinups for the purposes of morale and a friendly face from home in a manner that mimics a wartime history. With that intention, we don’t worry too much about it being taken the wrong way because we know in our hearts they are sent with love and respect”.
In fact, many female soldiers request care packages from The Pinup Angels, and they fill those requests with “gal packages” for female soldiers, which in addition to girly items, also include pin-ups. “We get wonderful feedback from the females thanking us, telling us how we motivate and inspire them, and that a shipment of our pinups always raise morale”, says Miss Kitty Baby. It seems a love for the All-American pin-up is common among all soldiers, regardless of gender.
All of the care package items are paid for with donations from Pin Up Angels fans via their website: www.thepinupangels.com or at one of the seemly endless fundraising events the Pin Up Angels produce or attend to raise awareness and money for their mission. Which begs the question, how can we help? “We really just need anything that can be added and sent that comes from our community. Unique items like calendars, promotional images, and magazines from our subcultures are always nice because they are something that can’t be normally bought on the news stand. “, says Miss Kitty Baby. To send Items
One of the really neat & unique things about the Pinup Angels is that you don’t have to be a member to donate pin-up images to the troops! Are you a pin-up model or photographer with images to give? Send pin-ups.
Meet some of the gals:
Miss Kitty Baby- Founder, Seattle
Q: Are you personally connected with a veteran, or anyone currently on
active duty?
As a veteran myself, I hold a personal connection to all those who are serving or have served in our military forces.
Q: Fondest memory as a volunteer with The Pinup Angels?
Our first veteran’s hospital visit. It took the least effort and had the most instant impact on the veterans we visited. Every single other thing we have done as a group follows closely behind though!
Q: Favorite cocktail?
Crushed Velvet
Q: Favorite vintage film?
Sands Of Iwo Jima. John Wayne as a Marine…Dreamy!
Q: Who should be cast as you in a movie about your life?
A younger Susan Sarandon.
Christina Rini- Team Lead, California.
Q: What is your favorite Fourth of July tradition?
Singing the National Anthem before or during our fireworks show.
Q: Are you personally connected with a veteran, or anyone currently on active duty?
I come from a family of Marines. My brothers have served several tours of IRAQ, and I have several Marine friends who are serving now or whom have served. I am also involved in my local VFW, Post 6213.
Q: Fondest memory as a volunteer with The Pinup Angels?
I will never forget my first year with the Pinup Angels at Ink N Iron. We had a father and son come to our booth. The father had come across us at previous show and naturally we gave him our information and what we do as an organization. We sent a package out to his son. So that first show at Ink N Iron I had with the angels, both father and son came to our booth. It was very moving to see his son, alive and in one peace and grateful beyond all belief for us sending him a package. It was just great seeing how much they appreciate the little things, and that’s when I knew I was in the right place…helping out with an amazing organization!
Miss Lilly Day- Team Lead, East Coast
Q: What is your favorite Fourth of July tradition?
Fireworks at the Beach!
Q: Are you personally connected with a veteran, or anyone currently on
active duty?
My husband is active duty Coast Guard 🙂
Q: Fondest memory as a volunteer with The Pinup Angels?
My most favorite would have been at a show we did in Pongo, VA that was a 1940’s Valentine’s Day Hanger Dance. I had the honor of meeting a WWII Veteran, who spent a wonderful hour telling me stories and how much myself and The Pinup Angels reminded him of the better days. The smile alone on his face warmed my heart so much and at some moments brought tears to my eyes!
Q: What is your biggest indulgence?
Vintage Purses! Can never have too many!
Becky Lee- Volunteer, Las Vegas
Q: Are you personally connected with a veteran, or anyone currently on
active duty?
Yes, my grandfather is a veteran who served in WWII in the Pacific, my uncle is a Vietnam War veteran and in my boyfriend’s family are Marines.
Q: Fondest memory as a volunteer with The Pinup Angels?
Tough question because there are so many, but I would defiantly say meeting the men and women that received our care packages when they were deployed. It is such an awesome surprise to be working an event and have them come up to the booth and introduce themselves.
Q: Your perfect date scenario would be:
A night of sushi, dancing and snuggling would be awesome. Or going to the fair, ride the Ferris wheel, eat cotton candy and deep fried Twinkies.
Mighty Mo- Volunteer, New Mexico
Q: Are you personally connected with a veteran, or anyone currently on active duty?
My husband is a veteran and a recipient of a Purple Heart and many of his Army friends are still actively serving stateside as well as overseas.
Q: Fondest memory as a volunteer with The Pinup Angels?
My fondest memory was seeing faces of the wounded warriors light up when we smothered them with love and attention during the Wounded Warrior Project Auction we attended at the Playboy mansion as well as our visit to the Seattle and Lakewood VA hospitals on Veterans Day and spending time with the old vets in the dementia unit.
Q: Who should be cast as you in a movie about your life?
I think it would have to be Milla Jovovich. Being that I am not American I would love to be played by her. I think she would do me justice. Hahaha…
Q: What is your biggest indulgence?
Shopping for vintage things. Whether it is an old blender or a beautiful gown, if it is of the right era and in good condition I simply cannot turn it down.