--- title: "Pin-Ups for Vets ‘brings out the bombshell’ in a military caregiver" date: "2018-03-31" modified: "2020-10-22" authors: - name: "Shannon Corbeil" job_title: "Contributor, Air Force Veteran" link: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/authors/scorbeil/" url: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/veterans/pin-ups-for-vets-brings-out-the-bombshell-in-a-military-caregiver/" categories: - "Combat Stories" - "Veterans" --- # Pin-Ups for Vets ‘brings out the bombshell’ in a military caregiver ![]() Gina Elise of [Pin-Ups for Vets]() did it again. --- Her non-profit organization helps hospitalized veterans, sends gifts to deployed troops, and supports the spouses and families of service members. Recently, that support went to [Melissa Comeau](), an advocate for military caregivers and wife of U.S. Marine and Purple Heart recipient Stephen Comeau. ![]() *Melissa and Stephen share a tender moment together. (From Melissa's book, Sleeping With the War)* As a full-time caregiver to her husband, Comeau had little time to focus on her own wellbeing. So Elise decided it was time for a little pick-me-up in the form of a full-fledged makeover in classic Pin-Up style. "When I first met Melissa, I could tell she was very special, and I wanted to do something to show our appreciation to the caregiver of one of our Marines," Elise told We Are The Mighty. When Comeau's husband Stephen left for his fourth combat deployment, she prepared herself for the worst — but it never occurred to her to prepare for him to come home with a brain injury. When he returned, Stephen was diagnosed with multiple combat injuries including traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, osteoarthritis, and degenerative disc disease. Together, Melissa and Stephen researched his diagnoses and soon discovered that there is a significant difference between being a supportive wife and being a caregiver. "I didn't know I was a caregiver. I just thought of myself as his wife, doing what anyone would do," Comeau explained. "But once I learned about that word, it opened up a new world." Comeau became a fellow for the [Elizabeth Dole Foundation](), which helps strengthen and empower American military caregivers, and now works at the [Military and Veteran Caregiver Network](), helping people identify as caregivers sooner and providing them with peer-to-peer support and assistance. After meeting Comeau, Pin-Ups for Vets' Elise knew she wanted to do something to show her appreciation. ![]() So Elise delivered a pin-up makeover for Comeau — complete with classic hair and make-up styling by [Ana Vergara](), vintage-inspired dresses by [Voodoo Vixen](), and a professional photoshoot by Jason Holmes of [Retro Dolls](). ![]() *Bombshell, indeed! (Photo by Jason Holmes)* Elise couldn't wait to reveal Comeau's pin-up look. "It was a special moment when Melissa first saw herself in the mirror," Elise said. "How we appear affects our confidence and this makeover brought out Melissa's inner bombshell. I could see the shift towards happiness and excitement in that moment." According to Comeau, it's tough to look after yourself when you're focused on caring for others. As a mentor, she teaches, "If you take care of yourself, it makes you better for everyone. It all starts with you — and if you don't nurture yourself, you'll burn out." That's why Elise was inspired to reach out to Comeau. "I always want to bring awareness and attention to military families and the sacrifices they make," Elise said. "Our military would be impossible without support from loved ones and it's important to acknowledge that." ## Author Shannon Corbeil has worked for We Are The Mighty as a digital video producer, writer, and host, as well as a staff writer covering military history, trivia, and valor. Shannon is a fierce veteran advocate, covering the achievements of members of the military community and volunteering in multiple veteran non-profit organizations, including Pin-Ups for Vets and Warriors for Peace Theatre. Her undergraduate degree is in Humanities and Philosophy and her Masters is in Strategic Intelligence. A screenwriter and actor recently seen on SEAL TEAM and THE ROOKIE, Shannon writes about exciting projects in the entertainment industry. She is an alum of the Writers Guild Foundation Veterans Writing Project, a Finalist in the Disney TV Writing Fellowship, an inaugural fellow for the STARZ/VME #TakeTheLead Program, and has performed at the Geffen Playhouse and Kennedy Center as a writer, dancer, singer, and actor. As a U.S. Air Force Intelligence Officer, Shannon supported the 25th Fighter Squadron at Osan Air Base, South Korea, and conducted Cyber Threat Analysis at the National Security Agency. Her work has been seen in Business Insider, Task & Purpose, Military.com, and various other publications. ### Author social links [Facebook]() [Bluesky]() [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()