America's deployed troops have once again paid tribute to Gina Elise, Founder of the award-winning national nonprofit organization, Pin-Ups For Vets. Elise recently received her 9th American flag and certificate of appreciation from U.S. Forces deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Elise, dubbed by the U.S. troops as "the calendar angel" and "the Betty Grable of a new generation", is also the model in all six popular Pin-Ups For Vets calendars that raise much-needed funding to purchase rehabilitation equipment for Veterans Hospitals.

Each year the charity produces a 1940's style pin-up calendar that supporters buy for themselves or donate to a hospitalized Veteran or to a deployed service member. Gina Elise personally delivers the calendars that are donated for ill and injured Veterans. She is presently on a 50-state tour to visit and show appreciation to the Veterans in VA Hospitals across the United States. Since 2007, Elise has personally visited thousands of hospitalized Veterans at their bedsides.

The troops serving deployments overseas have appreciated the work Elise does for hospitalized Veterans, and they also appreciate the hundreds of care packages filled with donated Pin-Ups For Vets gifts that Elise sends to service members who are deployed around the world.

Since the Pin-Ups For Vets project began operation in 2006, Elise has been presented with nine American flags, flown in her honor over military bases and during military missions. A certificate of appreciation and a folded flag recently arrived in Elise's mailbox. The certificate explains that the flag was flown in a military plane in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and to honor Gina Elise.

Included with the flag and the certificate, a personal letter to Elise reads:

"Ms. Gina Elise, Thank you so much for your support. Your calendars and posters were given to Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors, and even one Marine. Smiles all around and everyone wanted me to give you a huge thank you! This flag is a small token of our appreciation. It was flown over combat operations in Afghanistan and the certificate is signed by the Squadron Commander of the oldest Bomber Squadron in operation. You ARE a part of our glorious history."

Gina Elise, who treasures each flag she receives from the deployed troops, says, "I am so fortunate to be the recipient of such wonderful tributes by our brave service members. It is an honor for me to support those who are dedicating their lives to serve our country. I will continue to do what I can to raise funding for Veterans' healthcare, and to boost morale for our hospitalized Veterans and for our service members overseas. It is so important that all of us show appreciation for their service and sacrifice."