Deploying America’s Patriotism One Dress At A Time
Operation Deploy Your Dress (ODYD): Bridal Edition launched our ODYD: Bridal Edition Program the first week of June and the response was incredible! We were fortunate to select 53 brides for the inaugural edition and have begun scheduling styling appointments to deploy brand new bridal gowns to service members and eligible dependents for their wedding day. We are so grateful for the response, support and engagement from our military and civilian community members that make up Team ODYD!
Our Mission
Deploying America’s Patriotism One Dress at a time since 2016!
Our Story
ODYD began at Fort Bliss in late 2015, when founders Renee Chapman, Ronya Rendon, Yvonne Coombes, Liz McKenrick and Melissa Riely
decided to organize a dress swap among their units’ spouses, as a way to defray the costs associated with purchasing formalwear for holiday balls.
It wasn’t long before the idea became an organization, run entirely by volunteers. With the support of Fort Bliss’ Garrison Command and the Fort Bliss Spouses’ Club, ODYD set up a location next to the thrift shop. Soon, other installations expressed interest, and within one year, ODYD opened at Fort Eustis, VA, and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA.
ODYD now has 10 shops, with two shops having been opened on Fort Hood and Fort Drum in 2020
and its first international location that will be opening in Germany when it is safe to do so.
Deploy Your Dress
We collect new and gently used formal gowns and accessories at our 8 locations. Click the link to find out where you can deploy your dress.
Deploy Your Funds
We made a conscious decision not to charge anything for the dresses we deploy, but it takes money to run our shops & provide this service.
Deploy Your Talent
Join the FUN! Bring your expertise to our team, fundraising, web design, accounting, marketing, graphic design and so much more!
ODYD is proud to partner with Wreaths Across America and Poptivism to provide unique opportunities to our community to support ODYD and give back throughout the year!