Modern Day Pin-Ups Bring Smiles
By Lauren Koblara

Looking for a way to show support for the American troops stationed all over the world? A yellow ribbon is the traditional way to show your support, but let’s forget tradition for a moment. Publishing company Rocket Science Productions, LLC has come up with a different kind of care package for our troops overseas. The result: a surefire way to make any soldier smile.

For the Boys is a pin-up book created for the troops and is the brain child of Frank Monahan, President of Rocket Science. “I had become somewhat disenchanted with the media coverage of the war…I thought I’d have to come up with a way to bring the attention of the country back to the troops, and that’s when I thought of doing a pin-up book,” Monahan says. He set out to recreate the pin-ups of Gil Elvgren, popular during World War II and the Korean War, but through the more modern eye of photography.

MA native Tiffany Krzywicki is one of the photographers who worked on the For the Boys photograph. A self taught photographer with a knack for the pin-up style, she admits that recreating the images “…was actually quite challenging, but I love a challenge.” The book will feature about 17 of her photos, including the front cover shot.

“It is an amazing feeling to be part of something special and this project was extremely special,” Tiffany says. “Despite how anyone feels about this war, our troops sacrifice so much. They are away from their family and loved ones and are out there fighting everyday. Why not do something nice in return? If it brings a smile to a soldier overseas, then it makes me smile.”

To become a part of this good will campaign, all you have to do is go to www.forthetroopsonline.com and place your order. Rocket Science Productions, LLC will pay to ship the book to an active member of the military no matter where they are located. One book is $21.95, or you can send one copy and get your own for $35.95. If you are really feeling warm and fuzzy, you can buy 3 or more books for active military members and they will give you a free copy for yourself. A part of the proceeds also goes to The Fisher House, which Monahan says is “..a non-profit organization that helps transport and house family members of wounded and rehabilitating military. They enable the families to be there and lend support during often very trying times.”

Ladies, don’t worry, ForTheTroopsOnline.com also offers For the Girls in recognition of all the women who serve our country as well. Books can be ordered through the website or by calling 1-866-509-4242. To see more photos from both books, log onto www.myspace.com/forthetroopsonline.