'Pin-Ups for Vets' surprise war veterans in West Hills

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

'Pin-Ups for Vets' brought smiles to a group of war veterans at their weekly 'Wings Over Wendy's' gathering Monday. The non-profit has donated more than $50,000 for rehab equipment to VA hospitals across the country.

WEST HILLS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Every week, a group of war veterans pack a Wendy's restaurant in West Hills to share company and stories.

"All of us got shot up pretty badly. I had to fly back to England with the bomb bay doors open," World War II veteran Barney Leone told Eyewitness News.

This week, they had a little extra company and entertainment at their gathering dubbed "Wings Over Wendy's."

The pin-up ladies from the non-profit "Pin-Ups for Vets" surprised the veterans by passing out calendars. The girls were a welcomed and nostalgic surprise for the war veterans.

"The singing was out of this world, especially when she sang the songs from the '40s. It almost brought tears to my eyes," one veteran said, referring to a performance put on by the ladies.

'Pin-Ups for Vets' brought smiles to a group of war veterans at their weekly 'Wings Over Wendy's' gathering in West Hills Monday, March 9, 2015.

The calendars for Monday's event were donated, but according to "Pin-Ups for Vets", the regular sale of its calendars has allowed the organization to donate over $50,000 in therapy equipment to VA hospitals across the country.

"We want to take their minds off of the fact that they're in the hospital," said Gina Elise. "Those bedside visits are one of my favorite parts of the organization."