Sarah B. Sweet, leader and
co-founder of Dames For Soldiers, from an early age knew the importance of the military and giving back. As a child, she was one of the youngest active members on her town's Memorial Day Parade Committee. She lined the parade route with American flags and organized the line of march. Her parents, while not members of the military, would share stories of family who served and instilled the importance of
what servicemembers and they families did and why they need to be remembered.
Sarah volunteers in the local arts community, the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life, various military charities and organizes events for friends and local organizations. As a liaison between these various worlds, Sarah has been able to raise awareness of the causes the Dames For Soldiers' support and has been able to bring unlikely groups together.
For Sarah, Dames For Soldiers is not about dressing up as a pinup and getting photos taken. Being the a part of this groups is about the ability to bring women of all ages, shapes, ages and backgrounds together in order to support servicemembers, past, present and future. "What we do as a group, isn't for the glory, recognition or photo ops. And I know each Dame knows this. We volunteer because we support our troops, we believe in what they are doing, we love our country and we want to show our respect and honor for their hard work. That's what being a Dame For Soldiers is all about."
Dharma Duval, co-founder of Dames for Soldiers, got her start in the pinup world in late 2012 when she was accepted into the group Pinups for Patriots CT. She was an active volunteer for their numerous military veteran benefit events until the group unfortunately disbanded. She participated in events such as 'Adopt a Soldier', 'Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans', 'Military Vehicle Preservation' shows, and more.
Wanting to stay active in her community via the pinup world, Dharma applied and was selected into the first ever Bombshells for Boobies pinup group recruitment. The Bombshells proudly raised thousands of dollars in their first
to benefit the Dana Farber Cancer Center. More importantly, they brought significant attention to breast cancer awareness and early detection.
Dharma's real love is supporting veterans' causes. So, she and fellow pinup Sarah B. Sweet, met one summer afternoon over beer at America's oldest tap house, The Village, and devised the plan that would develop into what is now known as 'Dames for Soldiers'. Their little group of 9 Dames can be spotted all over CT, from car shows and baseball games to local theater and military monuments.
Amy is a Financial/HR clerk at a non-profit. When she’s not working, she is volunteering for a number of organizations as well as local families that are in need of help.
Some of the groups are Ally G’s Everyday Angels Foundation, Red Cross blood drives, Giving Back Girls at the ARC of Southington, and Southington Community Service.
She loves being a pin-up girl
because she loves to make people smile and hopes to remind others that a simple act can change someone's day.
Our veterans and service members have done so much for us. It is important to do things for them to show our appreciation. God Bless America and all those who protect it.
Honey Guns is an anomaly of a gal. At first glance she appears to lead a normal adult life, working a full-time job as the Director of Operations, the job she calls "wallet food." But when the work day is over, she heads off to her second job, the one she calls "soul food", as a pole fitness instructor.
A dancer since birth, she loves being able to share the gift of dance with her students.
Any remnants of her time are dedicated to being the facilitator for the local chapter of a national all-female gun club. If the weather is right, she can be found driving around in her precious Pumpkin, a 1972 Corvette whose Ontario Orange paint largely resembles that of the aforementioned gourd.
As a patriot and an avid shooter, with many friends who have served in the military, Honey Guns has always had a deep appreciation for our military. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Dames For Soldiers and be able to give back to those who have given so much.
Stacey works full time as a Property Management Associate. She belongs to a regional Young Professionals group, is a vocalist and model in her spare time, and a garden enthusiast. She has performed at wedding ceremonies, at venues in New England and has previously modeled for charity events. She joined the Dames for Soldiers in the spring of 2015 to volunteer her time supporting the military,
veterans and active duty service members. She has relatives who served in the Air Force, Army and Navy, has friends in multiple branches of the military and understands the importance of their service and sacrifices. She volunteers with the Dames to acknowledge and give back to those who have served and those currently serving, to show her appreciation and thanks for all that these brave men and woman have done and continue to do each day to keep our country safe. God Bless America!
Violet
Violet is humbled and thrilled to be a part of such an amazing group, supporting the greatest, bravest and most courageous group there is - American veterans. Freedom isn't free and honoring those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, are currently serving, or have served, is an honor.
She remembers terrifying stories of war, passed on from both of her Italian and Ukranian grandparents, as well as Navy stories from her dad, who enlisted in the Navy months before Vietnam ended.
Frankie B. has been a lifelong volunteer working with organizations such as the Multiple Sclerosis Society, as well as, assisting and supporting a variety of charities that are near and dear to her friends and family.
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When Frankie was recruited by Sarah B.
Sweet, she had no idea what she was in for. Frankie has always believed in supporting our military but being a Dame has given her a new appreciation for our servicemembers and veterans in particular. She looks forward to events and the unique conversations and people each one has to offer. “It is always humbling when a veteran or his/her family comes up to you and says thank you for being at an event or taking a picture with someone. Sometimes it is something so simple such as a photo or just giving a helping hand to make someone’s day, and honestly it’s the least I can do.” When she is not volunteering or spending time with her family, Frankie is usually cooking (she makes a mean lasagna!) or knitting up something for a friend or an order for her business Avocado Knits.
Jennifer is the wife to a Flight Engineer who serves in the Army National Guard and a Mom to a beautiful boy. “I’m extremely proud of my Husband and I’m so excited to be part of a group of women that loves to volunteer their time at charity events and support Veterans, past, present and future.” When not at work she enjoys spending time with her family, dogs and just enjoying every moment with her son.
Her personal interests include photography and writing poetry.
She also has a huge love for tap and take dance classes. She has a love for life and enjoy every minute of it. She lives each day like it's the last and cherish everything she's been blessed with. Her personality shines like the sun and believes that happiness is something you create and everyday chooses to be happy.
Victoria, an ex Army wife and proud Family Readiness Group leader in Connecticut and New York, Victoria has dedicated many years in a fulfilling role of support keeping over 700 soldiers and family members active and cohesive. She was also a volunteer liaison with the New York City Metro USO sending off and bringing in Soldiers, Subs and Seamen at Groton Sub Base and various locations throughout CT. As a mother of two, Victoria served on a military advisory board along with clinicians, doctors and soldiers as the only spouse on the team for a mental health clinic to aid children of veterans dealing with unique stressors.
She was featured on a television panel discussion interview regarding family, marital and spousal stressors in a public broadcasting documentary with much of the focus placed on the stressors
children and spouses of soldiers go through.
Being a pinup has brought her full circle with her love of yesteryear and US Service Members. After events, while still in full pinup garb, she will say hello to folks in the grocery store, thank veterans, and tell everyone about the Dames.
As a cancer over-comer, Victoria has a personal mission statement of 'service above self' that she carries throughout her daily life. Whether serving on a Board for a nationwide non-profit for veterans with PTSD, volunteering at events throughout New England raising awareness for PTSD, volunteering at homeless shelters, being a Commissioner in her hometown and an active member for her communities needs as an event planner, she exudes grace under fire.
All photos taken by Lisa Cherie Photography.
Hair: Claudia Marques
Make-up: Amie Olmstead
Violet spends her spare time volunteering for the Boys & Girls Club, traveling this beautiful country, spending time with family and friends, working out, watching sports and is also a member of the national all-female gun club run by Honey Guns.