Blast from the Past: 'Pin-Ups For Vets' boost the spirits of veterans in Tacoma

TACOMA -- Some local veterans got quite a surprise Friday when several special visitors took them back -- way back -- and left them feeling very thankful.

"Everyone in hear has got a big smile on their face," said retired Army veteran Freddie Martin. "The girls just lit them up; ain't no one in here with a sad face."



On Friday, the Seattle chapter of Pin-Ups For Vets brought valentine's a day early to hospitalized veterans in Tacoma.

"We dress up as 1940s pin-ups and bring in gifts of appreciation to the ill and injured vets," said Gina Elise.

Pin-Ups For Vets has been around for nearly a decade. In addition to brightening the day for veterans, they also sell calendars and donate more than $50,000 for rehab equipment to VA hospitals across the country.

Some of the pin-ups are military wives and former service members. The group has visited the bedsides of more than 6,000 vets across the country.