40th Uniform Completed

Good Afternoon,
We just completed our 40th uniform and will be driving it up to Jax tomorrow . I recently decided to switch focus and concentrate all resources to the Dover Detail program, which has served people not just in Brevard, but across the country to include Mo , Tx, Ny, Ga , P.R. ,La, Multiples in Fl and a Bronze Star uniform to Arlington National in D.C. This program serves not only the Vet but the best backup a Vet has, his or her family (Vet serves, the family serves as well) . Damn near every time I’m told “You have no idea what this means to us.” They are right , I don’t . I have no idea what it’s like to be faced with all of this and have no idea where to start. When my father passed 23 years ago, I wasn’t permitted to take part in the planning and he was laid to rest in a blank uniform with nothing on it. The Dover Detail was started because of one Marine, Private Julius Thompson, who passed away in a nursing home with no family and no uniform . 48 hrs later a complete and era accurate Uniform was presented to the funeral dierector . Private Thompson’s Honorable demise brought me to Cape Canaveral National Cemetary where I was introduced to Vinnie Howard, who at the time was the Commandant of the Marine Corps League 513th Detachment. He headed the Flag Detail at PVT Thompsons internment , and as Vinnie is, decided to jump in feet first in helping get this thing rolling. And here we are 40 uniforms later, and it just keeps coming. At this time I want to recognize everyone who has a hand in contributing their talents to making this much need service to these vets and their families. Nancy and Sean Dahlke at Stargazers Embroidery : Every Patch ever placed on a Uniform has been done by them as well as fabricating a few in a pinch when needed. The Marine Corps League 513th Detachment. Vinnie Howard , Carlos Rivera and the 513th have been huge in providing knowledge, uniforms and a HUGE Can Do attitude when it comes to anything Dover is working on. Amer Hatoum at Gear Up in Titusville . My first stop for everything needed when I get a request. As a result Amer has started carrying an expanded range of patches, medals and all the hardware. Brian , GM of Orlando Army Navy Surplus. When he learned what we do, Brian started donating a massive amount of dress uniforms from the store to us and when a call comes in to him he gives them my number. YES he very well could sell them what they want but instead would rather see the family benefit from his generosity instead of putting a few more dollars in the till. Brandy, Al, and everyone at G.I. Jeffs in Daytona . Very few times have I called up there and they did not have what I needed . It should be noted that Brandy is a walking Encyclopedia when it comes to Medals, Patches, and anything Military. Roger and Kim at Daddy O’s Diner. Roger’s hands have been on every USMC Uniform we have turned out. It is our policy that the individual actually setting up the Uniform is an actual vet of that same branch. (NO Chairforce is touching my CrackerJacks dammitt) Monica Strader, my best friend and long term fiancee (it’ll happen someday I’m sure) . She has delivered uniforms , run after parts and most importantly is there when I need her to stop me from hitting the wall when it’s close .
It’s this core group of people and business’ that have made Dover what it is, usually the absolute last chance at getting a correct Uniform done and delivered in an insanely short amount of time. I have personally attended numerous funerals during the last almost two years and I have hit the wall a few times along the way . While the stress level is both very high and can be unhealthy (not can..it IS ) I consider it my self assigned mission to get it right and get it done. As always , I’m last on the list…I may have come up with this, but none of it is possible without everyone stepping in and helping out no questions asked.
And YOU, yeah YOU, the one reading this. Your interest in this helps keep things going . If you want to participate in a more hands on role, feel free to contact us. If not, stick around watch what we do. This started as just a local service in Brevard, I damn near hit the floor when Lafyette, La. called. That was due to folks like you seeing this and passing it on to someone who needed it. THANK YOU for reading more to come on almost a daily basis …
Stick Around Jerry
The pictured Uniform is not the latest , but is the largest and most detailed uniform we have done.