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By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Gina Danals, Fleet Week New York Public Affairs
NEW YORK - In honor of military women and spouses, the USO hosted “Operation: That’s My Dress!,” to thank them for their sacrifices and courage as a part of Fleet Week New York, May 24.
Operation: That’s My Dress! is one of the many ways the USO shows their appreciation for our military and their families. The event featured a private fashion show with professional models and Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageant titleholders from across the country, as well as entertainment by the USO Show Troupe.
“The citizens of New York and the USO have rolled out the red carpet and left it out for us,” said Cmdr. Jennifer Eaton, Executive Officer, USS Barry (DDG 52). “The hospitality I have seen here today has been overwhelming. It is heartwarming to just see the smiles on every young lady’s face today.”
In partnership with Sherri Hill, international fashion designer for Hollywood celebrities and pageant contestants, the USO provides thousands of new gowns and dresses by top designers such as Ann Taylor and Ralph Lauren, to name a few.
Gunner’s Mate Seaman Amber Barnes could barely contain her excitement when the models began walking the runway.
“One of the models came out wearing a white dress that looked like a wedding dress – I fell in love with it,” she said. “I am getting married in August and I have been searching for the perfect dress. When I tried it on, I knew it was the one! I couldn’t be more grateful for this opportunity.”
Female service members and spouses experience unique challenges related to military life with frequent moves, deployments, and adapting to new homes and communities. Jessica McAndrews, vice president of Program Services and Operations for the USO said she finds it incredibly rewarding to just give a little something back.
“Here in New York, we don’t have a lot of service members around on a regular basis. Fleet Week is the perfect time for us to get everyone together and say thank you in person,” she said. “There is so much that service members and their families sacrifice on a daily basis – this event is so important because it is our way of showing our appreciation.”
In addition to leaving with a new gown, the women also received donated Stella & Dot jewelry, L’Oréal make-up and hair products, and had their hair and make-up done.
“Military women give 100 percent at our jobs and at home, and sometimes we forget to take care of ourselves,” Eaton explained. “These dresses are things that most service women can’t afford – this is a chance for them to feel beautiful.”
Fleet Week New York, now in its 27th year, is the city’s time-honored celebration of the sea services. It is an unparalleled opportunity for the citizens of New York and the surrounding tri-state area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as witness firsthand the latest capabilities of today’s maritime services. The weeklong celebration has been held nearly every year since 1984.
For up-to-date information on all Fleet Week events, visit the official Fleet Week New York website at www.fleetweeknewyork.com, “Like” FleetWeekNewYork on Facebook, or “Follow” @FleetWeekNYC on Twitter. Fleet Week New York photos can be viewed on Flickr at www.flickr.com/photos/fwnypao. Join the conversation on social media by using #FleetWeekNYC.
For more information on Operation: That’s My Dress!, visit to www.usonyc.org.
| Date Taken: | 05.24.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 05.25.2015 15:54 |
| Story ID: | 164460 |
| Location: | NEW YORK, NY, US |
| Web Views: | 70 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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