{"id":411157,"date":"2022-05-25T14:35:38","date_gmt":"2022-05-25T19:35:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/marineshop.net\/?p=411157"},"modified":"2022-05-26T14:21:50","modified_gmt":"2022-05-26T19:21:50","slug":"welcome-to-the-tms-blog","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/marineshop.ecomitize.com\/shop\/2022\/05\/25\/welcome-to-the-tms-blog\/","title":{"rendered":"Welcome to the TMS Blog!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-l2hz6jlu-14fa4c6035a2d0d29afcce5091a15496\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-l2hz6jlu-14fa4c6035a2d0d29afcce5091a15496{\npadding-bottom:10px;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-l2hz6jlu-14fa4c6035a2d0d29afcce5091a15496 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-l2hz6jlu-14fa4c6035a2d0d29afcce5091a15496 .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-l2hz6jlu-14fa4c6035a2d0d29afcce5091a15496 av-special-heading-h1 blockquote modern-quote modern-centered  avia-builder-el-0  el_before_av_image  avia-builder-el-first '><h1 class='av-special-heading-tag '  >Welcome to The Marine Shop Blog!<\/h1><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-l2hyr09c-fd669ed61279872d128b4c9ace226215\">\n.avia-image-container.av-l2hyr09c-fd669ed61279872d128b4c9ace226215 img.avia_image{\nbox-shadow:none;\n}\n.avia-image-container.av-l2hyr09c-fd669ed61279872d128b4c9ace226215 .av-image-caption-overlay-center{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='avia-image-container av-l2hyr09c-fd669ed61279872d128b4c9ace226215 av-styling- avia-align-center  avia-builder-el-1  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_textblock '  ><div class=\"avia-image-container-inner\"><div class=\"avia-image-overlay-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\" class='wp-image-411183 avia-img-lazy-loading-not-411183 avia_image ' src=\"https:\/\/marineshop.ecomitize.com\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TMS_TMS_3.jpg\" alt='' title='TMS_TMS_3'  height=\"339\" width=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/marineshop.ecomitize.com\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TMS_TMS_3.jpg 900w, https:\/\/marineshop.ecomitize.com\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TMS_TMS_3-600x226.jpg 600w, https:\/\/marineshop.ecomitize.com\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TMS_TMS_3-300x113.jpg 300w, https:\/\/marineshop.ecomitize.com\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TMS_TMS_3-768x289.jpg 768w, https:\/\/marineshop.ecomitize.com\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TMS_TMS_3-705x266.jpg 705w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-l2hpp7k3-484c87351eb19ca153140c4a3d41b419 '  ><div class='avia_textblock' ><p>In our mission to support Today\u2019s Marines and their uniform needs, we wanted to create a place with easy to find answers, ideas, and history for our customers. Founded by the late major Harry Elms in 1962, we\u2019ve been striving to help Marines look professional for over 60 years. Today, The Marine Shop is owned and operated by the Marine Corps Association and is proud to maintain its outstanding reputation for exceptional quality and customer service in support of Today\u2019s Marines.<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019ve been working hard throughout the past few years to continue to provide exceptional Marine Corps Uniforms to both newly commissioned Lieutenants and those Marines who have been serving for years despite as Covid and other pressures have impacted supply chains throughout the country and the world. It hasn\u2019t been easy, but we continue to look for newer, better was to deliver for our Marines while maintaining the traditions of customer service and impeccable craftsmanship that have carried us all of these years.<\/p>\n<p>Check back in regularly for updates on the blog and to kick things off, please enjoy this article from Leatherneck Magazine from 2019 about our store!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- close content main div --><\/div><\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-l2hq47et-db7ae10c9dde72657b6658f4cdd8440b\">\n.avia-section.av-l2hq47et-db7ae10c9dde72657b6658f4cdd8440b{\nbackground-color:#4a4f42;\nbackground-image:unset;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div id='av_section_1'  class='avia-section av-l2hq47et-db7ae10c9dde72657b6658f4cdd8440b main_color avia-section-default avia-no-shadow  avia-builder-el-3  el_after_av_textblock  el_before_av_image  avia-bg-style-scroll container_wrap sidebar_left'  ><div class='container av-section-cont-open' ><div class='template-page content  av-content-small units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-411157'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-l2hpqnny-f6424986c9c97d5a1e2dbbe802a2893c\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-l2hpqnny-f6424986c9c97d5a1e2dbbe802a2893c{\npadding-bottom:10px;\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-l2hpqnny-f6424986c9c97d5a1e2dbbe802a2893c .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-l2hpqnny-f6424986c9c97d5a1e2dbbe802a2893c .special-heading-inner-border{\nborder-color:#ffffff;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-l2hpqnny-f6424986c9c97d5a1e2dbbe802a2893c .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-l2hpqnny-f6424986c9c97d5a1e2dbbe802a2893c av-special-heading-h2 custom-color-heading blockquote modern-quote modern-centered  avia-builder-el-4  el_before_av_textblock  avia-builder-el-first '><h2 class='av-special-heading-tag '  >Squared Away<\/h2><div class='av_custom_color av-subheading av-subheading_below'><p>At The Marine Shop, Uniform Excellence is the Standard<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-l2hpudv6-bcbdba67085fc9a5e84459791a24a394\">\n#top .av_textblock_section.av-l2hpudv6-bcbdba67085fc9a5e84459791a24a394 .avia_textblock{\nfont-size:18px;\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-l2hpudv6-bcbdba67085fc9a5e84459791a24a394 '  ><div class='avia_textblock av_inherit_color' ><p style=\"text-align: center;\">By Sara W. Bock<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<\/div><\/section>\n<div  class='avia-button-wrap av-l2hzmhtu-69a48d116328a572bdab1f14921c4cf0-wrap avia-button-center  avia-builder-el-6  el_after_av_textblock  el_before_av_one_half '><a href='https:\/\/mca-marines.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/TMS.pdf' class='avia-button av-l2hzmhtu-69a48d116328a572bdab1f14921c4cf0 av-link-btn avia-icon_select-yes-left-icon avia-size-small avia-position-center avia-color-theme-color-highlight' target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"Download this article as a PDF\"><span class='avia_button_icon avia_button_icon_left avia-iconfont avia-font-entypo-fontello' data-av_icon='\ue86f' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello' ><\/span><span class='avia_iconbox_title' >Download this article as a PDF<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-4geez9-5a8a6f156cf0ea2583aee563cc1429b0\">\n.flex_column.av-4geez9-5a8a6f156cf0ea2583aee563cc1429b0{\nborder-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\npadding:0px 0px 0px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='flex_column av-4geez9-5a8a6f156cf0ea2583aee563cc1429b0 av_one_half  avia-builder-el-7  el_after_av_button  el_before_av_one_half  first flex_column_div av-zero-column-padding  '     ><style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-l2hpm7mi-15c83fd28303de70cbba51f892875c45\">\n#top .av_textblock_section.av-l2hpm7mi-15c83fd28303de70cbba51f892875c45 .avia_textblock{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-l2hpm7mi-15c83fd28303de70cbba51f892875c45 '  ><div class='avia_textblock av_inherit_color' ><p>There\u2019s a soon-to-be-commissioned second lieutenant in the fitting area of The MARINE Shop at 300 Potomac Avenue in Quantico, Va., in early April, and she walks out of her dressing room wearing the newly redesigned female dress blue coat. The coat was made to order\u2014constructed using her exact measurements, giving it the perfectly fitted, precisely tailored appearance that has long been heralded as the Marine Corps\u2019 signature look.<\/p>\n<p>She steps up on the fitting platform in the center of the room and head tailor Nhean Keo helps her fasten the gleaming gold buttons. There\u2019s something mesmerizing about his movements and about the entire scene, as she looks into the three-way mirror and sees for the first time an image of her future as an officer of Marines.<\/p>\n<p>Next, she is fitted for her white dress skirt. It\u2019s a bit loose and needs to be taken in. Quickly and adeptly, Keo gets to work measuring, marking and pinning the skirt. It\u2019s a task he\u2019s done thousands of times, and his expertise in tailoring Marine Corps uniforms is unmatched; yet it\u2019s evident that he views each customer as an individual and each uniform as a custom piece.<\/p>\n<p>For Keo, it all began in 1982, when he moved from his home in Cambodia to join The MARINE Shop\u2019s tailoring staff, and was personally hired by the founder and then-president of the shop, retired Major Harry D. Elms Sr.<\/p>\n<p>The introduction of the new female dress blue coat in the fall of 2018 is just one of the many changes Keo has witnessed over his nearly 40 years in the Marine Corps uniform industry and within The MARINE Shop itself. Since 2007, the store has been owned and operated by the Marine Corps Association &amp; Foundation and has upheld the retail establishment\u2019s decades-long reputation for providing superior service and the highest quality uniform items in the Corps.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-8hy2l05-294dc9f80ac6dccaf2da5f7ee28cc5f7\">\n.flex_column.av-8hy2l05-294dc9f80ac6dccaf2da5f7ee28cc5f7{\nborder-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\npadding:0px 0px 0px 0px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='flex_column av-8hy2l05-294dc9f80ac6dccaf2da5f7ee28cc5f7 av_one_half  avia-builder-el-9  el_after_av_one_half  el_before_av_image  flex_column_div av-zero-column-padding  '     ><style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-l2hysefa-5bc97408d860ec8deb8cc7f38aa5d711\">\n.avia-image-container.av-l2hysefa-5bc97408d860ec8deb8cc7f38aa5d711 img.avia_image{\nbox-shadow:none;\n}\n.avia-image-container.av-l2hysefa-5bc97408d860ec8deb8cc7f38aa5d711 .av-image-caption-overlay-center{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='avia-image-container av-l2hysefa-5bc97408d860ec8deb8cc7f38aa5d711 av-styling- avia-align-center  avia-builder-el-10  avia-builder-el-no-sibling '  ><div class=\"avia-image-container-inner\"><div class=\"avia-image-overlay-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\" class='wp-image-411184 avia-img-lazy-loading-not-411184 avia_image ' src=\"https:\/\/marineshop.ecomitize.com\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TMS_Fitting_1-1030x918.jpg\" alt='' title='TMS_Fitting_1'  height=\"918\" width=\"1030\" srcset=\"https:\/\/marineshop.ecomitize.com\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TMS_Fitting_1-1030x918.jpg 1030w, https:\/\/marineshop.ecomitize.com\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TMS_Fitting_1-600x535.jpg 600w, https:\/\/marineshop.ecomitize.com\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TMS_Fitting_1-300x267.jpg 300w, https:\/\/marineshop.ecomitize.com\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TMS_Fitting_1-768x684.jpg 768w, https:\/\/marineshop.ecomitize.com\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TMS_Fitting_1-705x628.jpg 705w, https:\/\/marineshop.ecomitize.com\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TMS_Fitting_1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1030px) 100vw, 1030px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-l2hyt8hp-77307d9745f3ce6c019cb47b62da1689\">\n.avia-image-container.av-l2hyt8hp-77307d9745f3ce6c019cb47b62da1689 img.avia_image{\nbox-shadow:none;\n}\n.avia-image-container.av-l2hyt8hp-77307d9745f3ce6c019cb47b62da1689 .av-image-caption-overlay-center{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='avia-image-container av-l2hyt8hp-77307d9745f3ce6c019cb47b62da1689 av-styling- avia-align-center  avia-builder-el-11  el_after_av_one_half  el_before_av_textblock '  ><div class=\"avia-image-container-inner\"><div class=\"avia-image-overlay-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\" class='wp-image-411185 avia-img-lazy-loading-not-411185 avia_image ' src=\"https:\/\/marineshop.ecomitize.com\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TMS_USMC-Seal-Designed-by-Elms.jpg\" alt='' title='TMS_USMC Seal Designed by Elms'  height=\"645\" width=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/marineshop.ecomitize.com\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TMS_USMC-Seal-Designed-by-Elms.jpg 800w, https:\/\/marineshop.ecomitize.com\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TMS_USMC-Seal-Designed-by-Elms-600x484.jpg 600w, https:\/\/marineshop.ecomitize.com\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TMS_USMC-Seal-Designed-by-Elms-300x242.jpg 300w, https:\/\/marineshop.ecomitize.com\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TMS_USMC-Seal-Designed-by-Elms-768x619.jpg 768w, https:\/\/marineshop.ecomitize.com\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TMS_USMC-Seal-Designed-by-Elms-495x400.jpg 495w, https:\/\/marineshop.ecomitize.com\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TMS_USMC-Seal-Designed-by-Elms-705x568.jpg 705w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-l2hxkjmg-c982794c5a58820023e3ad1815a4c527\">\n#top .av_textblock_section.av-l2hxkjmg-c982794c5a58820023e3ad1815a4c527 .avia_textblock{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-l2hxkjmg-c982794c5a58820023e3ad1815a4c527 '  ><div class='avia_textblock av_inherit_color' ><p>It\u2019s a unique business with a remarkable story that all began after Maj Elms, a mustang Marine officer and World War II veteran who fought at Guadalcanal and Bougainville, retired from the Corps in 1961. He had become an expert on Marine Corps uniforms and insignia over the last 13 years of his active-duty career by serving as executive secretary of the Marine Corps Uniform Board, which was established to regulate and improve the quality of all uniforms and insignia for the Marine Corps.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere were many companies manufacturing insignia items that varied from vendor to vendor,\u201d said Elms\u2019 daughter, Pamela Scott, of the standardization issues that plagued the Corps in the late 1940s, when the uniform board was established. \u201cHe was also instrumental in standardizing the design of all insignia to meet strict specifications,\u201d she said of her father\u2019s accomplishments.<\/p>\n<p>While serving on the uniform board under General Lemuel C. Shepherd Jr., 20th Commandant of the Marine Corps, Elms would leave a permanent mark on the Corps by designing the official seal of the Marine Corps, which was approved by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in June 1954.<\/p>\n<p>In 1959, Elms was responsible for the redesign and stand\u00adardization of the Marine Corps emblem worn on uniform items, both enlisted and officer, the product of which is still used today. With unprecedented experience in the area of Marine Corps uniforms, opening a uniform shop post-retirement seemed a natural progression\u2014but he didn\u2019t rush into it.<\/p>\n<p>According to Scott, the newly retired major first spent an entire year evaluating the quality of available uniforms and the service provided to Marines by private vendors. Elms concluded that the current offerings were inadequate for all Marines, but especially for newly commissioned second lieutenants. The MARINE Shop, she said, was created to fill the \u201cquality and service void\u201d that Elms perceived, and the town of Quantico, or \u201cQ-town,\u201d was an optimal location due to the fact that Marines tend to return to Marine Corps Base Quantico often throughout their careers earning it the nickname \u201cCrossroads of the Marine Corps.\u201d Its proximity to Officer Candidates School, The Basic School, Marine Corps University, Headquarters Marine Corps and the United States Naval Academy made it an obvious choice.<\/p>\n<p>Elms designed a store logo that incorporated the Eagle, Globe and Anchor, which he submitted to the Marine Corps for approval. The shop\u2019s original storefront, located at the opposite end of Potomac Avenue from where it currently stands, included a tailor shop on the premises. Elms hired tailors from across the globe, primarily from countries like Hong Kong that had longstanding reputations for producing the finest tailors in the world.<\/p>\n<p>Within the first few years, Elms designed a more fitted look for the dress blue uniform, which was approved by the Corps and became the standard. The Hirsch Tyler Company of Philadelphia, which at the time was The MARINE Shop\u2019s primary uniform manufacturer, initially owned the store while Elms served as its vice president and general manager. The MARINE Shop quickly became known for offering the highest-quality uniforms and tailoring available to Marines.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cEventually, because of Hirsch Tyler\u2019s expansion into other markets, Harry purchased the business from the company,\u201d said Scott.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-l2hyu266-2e32994b063f0dc7e43176fb49047298\">\n.avia-image-container.av-l2hyu266-2e32994b063f0dc7e43176fb49047298 img.avia_image{\nbox-shadow:none;\n}\n.avia-image-container.av-l2hyu266-2e32994b063f0dc7e43176fb49047298 .av-image-caption-overlay-center{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='avia-image-container av-l2hyu266-2e32994b063f0dc7e43176fb49047298 av-styling- avia-align-center  avia-builder-el-13  el_after_av_textblock  el_before_av_textblock '  ><div class=\"avia-image-container-inner\"><div class=\"avia-image-overlay-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\" class='wp-image-411186 avia-img-lazy-loading-not-411186 avia_image ' src=\"https:\/\/marineshop.ecomitize.com\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TMS_Pams-Photo-Album_-1030x540.jpg\" alt='' title='TMS_Pams Photo Album_'  height=\"540\" width=\"1030\" srcset=\"https:\/\/marineshop.ecomitize.com\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TMS_Pams-Photo-Album_-1030x540.jpg 1030w, https:\/\/marineshop.ecomitize.com\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TMS_Pams-Photo-Album_-600x314.jpg 600w, https:\/\/marineshop.ecomitize.com\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TMS_Pams-Photo-Album_-300x157.jpg 300w, https:\/\/marineshop.ecomitize.com\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TMS_Pams-Photo-Album_-768x402.jpg 768w, https:\/\/marineshop.ecomitize.com\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TMS_Pams-Photo-Album_-705x369.jpg 705w, https:\/\/marineshop.ecomitize.com\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TMS_Pams-Photo-Album_.jpg 1386w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1030px) 100vw, 1030px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-l2hxkw02-186002e2e5b01d0b9a14fbd5f324d60c\">\n#top .av_textblock_section.av-l2hxkw02-186002e2e5b01d0b9a14fbd5f324d60c .avia_textblock{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-l2hxkw02-186002e2e5b01d0b9a14fbd5f324d60c '  ><div class='avia_textblock av_inherit_color' ><p>In 1976, after a fire destroyed the Quantico Town Drug Store, Elms purchased that land to build a new MARINE Shop building at 300 Potomac Avenue. Opened in November 1979, the store continues to operate today.<\/p>\n<p>Maj Elms acted as an adviser on uniform matters to each Commandant of the Marine Corps until he passed away in 2002, but The MARINE Shop was his true passion. He worked tirelessly, often seven days a week, determined to live out the shop\u2019s longstanding motto of \u201cServing Marines Around the World.\u201d The business was a family affair\u2014over the years, all three of his children, Pamela, Harry Jr. (David), and Stephen worked at the shop in different capacities, and both of his sons enlisted in the Marine Corps after high school.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt was his pride and joy,\u201d said Scott of her father\u2019s dedication to The MARINE Shop. \u201cHe never lost sight of his passion to make his customers feel proud to wear a MARINE Shop uniform that represented their service in the Marine Corps and to their country.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Elms is remembered fondly by a number of employees whom he hired that are still on the staff today, including Keo and The MARINE Shop\u2019s general manager, Pat VanZummeren, the spouse of a retired Marine, who began working in the store\u2019s mail order department in 1984. VanZummeren worked for Elms on and off as her husband\u2019s orders brought her back and forth from Quantico and permanently rejoined the staff in 2002. Elms earned a special place in his employees\u2019 hearts and would encourage them to bring their children to work with them on days off school.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe would take them out around town and buy them a treat,\u201d said VanZummeren of her children\u2019s relationship with Elms. \u201cThe kids basically grew up at The MARINE Shop.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>One of VanZummeren\u2019s most treasured memories at the shop was watching Nhean Keo\u2014who had watched her children grow up\u2014fit her son, Troy, for his dress blues as he prepared to commission as a second lieutenant.<\/p>\n<p>VanZummeren, who is an expert in Marine Corps uniforms in her own right, attributes much of The MARINE Shop\u2019s success to the vast connections Elms made in those early years both within the Marine Corps and among small vendors. \u201cHe knew everyone,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<p>Of those employees who worked for Elms and remain at The MARINE Shop today, Scott said, \u201cThey are a testament to their dedication to continue the major\u2019s legacy, and for that, the family has been humbled and inspired by their love.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>While the Marine Corps Association didn\u2019t purchase the business until nearly five years after Elms\u2019 death, the acquisition had been set in motion years earlier when Major General Les Palm, USMC (Ret), then-CEO of the association, approached Elms with a proposition.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-l2hyuxj2-acb906bbda3ba5d5e88be9ac3fa5f63f\">\n.avia-image-container.av-l2hyuxj2-acb906bbda3ba5d5e88be9ac3fa5f63f img.avia_image{\nbox-shadow:none;\n}\n.avia-image-container.av-l2hyuxj2-acb906bbda3ba5d5e88be9ac3fa5f63f .av-image-caption-overlay-center{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='avia-image-container av-l2hyuxj2-acb906bbda3ba5d5e88be9ac3fa5f63f av-styling- avia-align-center  avia-builder-el-15  el_after_av_textblock  el_before_av_textblock '  ><div class=\"avia-image-container-inner\"><div class=\"avia-image-overlay-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\" class='wp-image-411187 avia-img-lazy-loading-not-411187 avia_image ' src=\"https:\/\/marineshop.ecomitize.com\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TMS_Maj-Elms-3.jpg\" alt='' title='TMS_Maj Elms 3'  height=\"617\" width=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/marineshop.ecomitize.com\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TMS_Maj-Elms-3.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/marineshop.ecomitize.com\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TMS_Maj-Elms-3-600x370.jpg 600w, https:\/\/marineshop.ecomitize.com\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TMS_Maj-Elms-3-300x185.jpg 300w, https:\/\/marineshop.ecomitize.com\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TMS_Maj-Elms-3-768x474.jpg 768w, https:\/\/marineshop.ecomitize.com\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TMS_Maj-Elms-3-705x435.jpg 705w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-l2hxmr1r-5fe4bd6301adc3eb48d5fdc490c242e2\">\n#top .av_textblock_section.av-l2hxmr1r-5fe4bd6301adc3eb48d5fdc490c242e2 .avia_textblock{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-l2hxmr1r-5fe4bd6301adc3eb48d5fdc490c242e2 '  ><div class='avia_textblock av_inherit_color' ><p>There\u2019s a focused energy that\u2019s easily discernible in The MARINE Shop\u2019s tailor room, where 17 tailors, seamstresses and pressers work meticulously and quickly to meet their deadlines. Keo assigns the work, and each individual has a specific job they\u2019ve perfected. Whether it\u2019s hand sewing, machine sewing or pressing, each has mastered his or her skill.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWith the volume we have, you have to be able to do it very quickly,\u201d said VanZummeren, who credits Keo and a few of the other longtime employees with teaching and training newcomers who, while extremely skilled in their trade, have to learn the processes that are specific to Marine Corps uniforms.<\/p>\n<p>The MARINE Shop recently launched an updated, redesigned website at www.marineshop.net. Customers who are unable to visit the shop in person can upload their measurements and full body photographs on the site and the uniforms are made according to their exact specifications and shipped directly to them.<\/p>\n<p>For uniforms purchased elsewhere\u2014or for those that need to be taken in or let out over time\u2014the alteration services offered by the shop are unparalleled. Many alterations are labor intensive and time consuming and require moving pockets and buttons while maintaining adherence to Marine Corps uniform standards, said VanZummeren, who added that most other tailor shops won\u2019t even take on these types of alterations and will often suggest that the customer buy a new coat altogether.<\/p>\n<p>The shop\u2019s uniforms have to be certified by the Marine Corps, but over the years, the staff has developed enhancements to the certified pattern that set The MARINE Shop\u2019s uniforms apart, said VanZummeren. They also carry their own brand of khaki shirts, which have a more fitted, athletic cut compared to other approved brands. These seemingly small variations make a big difference in the way the uniform fits or hangs.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-l2hywzf5-87d3cb960b27433866e894b4fa78bf8d\">\n.avia-image-container.av-l2hywzf5-87d3cb960b27433866e894b4fa78bf8d img.avia_image{\nbox-shadow:none;\n}\n.avia-image-container.av-l2hywzf5-87d3cb960b27433866e894b4fa78bf8d .av-image-caption-overlay-center{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='avia-image-container av-l2hywzf5-87d3cb960b27433866e894b4fa78bf8d av-styling- avia-align-center  avia-builder-el-17  el_after_av_textblock  el_before_av_textblock '  ><div class=\"avia-image-container-inner\"><div class=\"avia-image-overlay-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\" class='wp-image-411188 avia-img-lazy-loading-not-411188 avia_image ' src=\"https:\/\/marineshop.ecomitize.com\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TMS_white-skirt.jpg\" alt='' title='TMS_white skirt'  height=\"466\" width=\"700\" srcset=\"https:\/\/marineshop.ecomitize.com\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TMS_white-skirt.jpg 700w, https:\/\/marineshop.ecomitize.com\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TMS_white-skirt-600x399.jpg 600w, https:\/\/marineshop.ecomitize.com\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TMS_white-skirt-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-l2hxnp44-6bdd8ac875da71630db7098acf9477d1\">\n#top .av_textblock_section.av-l2hxnp44-6bdd8ac875da71630db7098acf9477d1 .avia_textblock{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-l2hxnp44-6bdd8ac875da71630db7098acf9477d1 '  ><div class='avia_textblock av_inherit_color' ><p>Throughout the year, The MARINE Shop staff travels to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., as well as to OCS, where they measure and fit the Corps\u2019 future second lieutenants for their uniforms. With a quick turnaround time during those busy commissioning seasons, the tailor shop in the back of the store is overflowing with racks of uniform coats and trousers.<\/p>\n<p>By focusing on uniform commissioning packages, The MARINE Shop staff creates customers for life. Many Marines will stop in the store over the years to have their measurements updated and added to their file. They can then place orders from installations worldwide\u2014Okinawa, Camp Pendleton and beyond\u2014and be confident that their uniform items are made to the highest possible standard and that their purchases benefit their fellow Marines through MCA&amp;F\u2019s programs.<\/p>\n<p>Founded by the Marine Corps\u2019 foremost uniform expert, The MARINE Shop continues to carry on the legacy of Major Elms while also supporting the mission of the professional association of the Corps. Few can claim the title \u201cMarine,\u201d but those who are proud to wear the uniform of the nation\u2019s finest fighting force continue to trust The MARINE Shop to help them look their professional best.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-l2hyxzhn-9c7cb6e09a9df33f4dbc65d70bab7440\">\n.avia-image-container.av-l2hyxzhn-9c7cb6e09a9df33f4dbc65d70bab7440 img.avia_image{\nbox-shadow:none;\n}\n.avia-image-container.av-l2hyxzhn-9c7cb6e09a9df33f4dbc65d70bab7440 .av-image-caption-overlay-center{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='avia-image-container av-l2hyxzhn-9c7cb6e09a9df33f4dbc65d70bab7440 av-styling- avia-align-center  avia-builder-el-19  el_after_av_textblock  el_before_av_notification '  ><div class=\"avia-image-container-inner\"><div class=\"avia-image-overlay-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\" class='wp-image-411190 avia-img-lazy-loading-not-411190 avia_image ' src=\"https:\/\/marineshop.ecomitize.com\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TMS_DSC_9621-1030x687.jpg\" alt='' title='TMS_DSC_9621'  height=\"687\" width=\"1030\" srcset=\"https:\/\/marineshop.ecomitize.com\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TMS_DSC_9621-1030x687.jpg 1030w, https:\/\/marineshop.ecomitize.com\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TMS_DSC_9621-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/marineshop.ecomitize.com\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TMS_DSC_9621-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/marineshop.ecomitize.com\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TMS_DSC_9621-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/marineshop.ecomitize.com\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TMS_DSC_9621-705x470.jpg 705w, https:\/\/marineshop.ecomitize.com\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TMS_DSC_9621.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1030px) 100vw, 1030px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-l2hpnnjx-886413dfbf02c6f9adf90a176a5bce22\">\n.avia_message_box.av-l2hpnnjx-886413dfbf02c6f9adf90a176a5bce22{\nbackground-color:#444444;\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n.avia_message_box.av-l2hpnnjx-886413dfbf02c6f9adf90a176a5bce22 .avia_message_box_icon.avia-svg-icon svg:first-child{\nfill:#ffffff;\nstroke:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div id='avia-messagebox-' class='avia_message_box av_notification av-l2hpnnjx-886413dfbf02c6f9adf90a176a5bce22 avia-color-custom avia-size-large avia-icon_select-no avia-border-  avia-builder-el-20  el_after_av_image  avia-builder-el-last ' ><span class='avia_message_box_title' >Note<\/span><div class=\"avia_message_box_content\"><p>Since this article was published in 2019, Pat VanZummeren has stepped down from her role as General Manager so that she could spend more time with her family and LtGen Charles Chiarotti has replaced LtGen Mark Faulkner as CEO of the Marine Corps Association.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- close content main div --><\/div><\/div><div id='after_section_1'  class='main_color av_default_container_wrap container_wrap sidebar_left'  ><div class='container av-section-cont-open' ><div class='template-page content  av-content-small units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-411157'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-l2hyyq6w-099e056abc33a2ad1793eaab7e426008\">\n.avia-image-container.av-l2hyyq6w-099e056abc33a2ad1793eaab7e426008 img.avia_image{\nbox-shadow:none;\n}\n.avia-image-container.av-l2hyyq6w-099e056abc33a2ad1793eaab7e426008 .av-image-caption-overlay-center{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='avia-image-container av-l2hyyq6w-099e056abc33a2ad1793eaab7e426008 av-styling- avia-align-center  avia-builder-el-21  el_after_av_section  avia-builder-el-no-sibling '  ><div class=\"avia-image-container-inner\"><div class=\"avia-image-overlay-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\" class='wp-image-411191 avia-img-lazy-loading-not-411191 avia_image ' src=\"https:\/\/marineshop.ecomitize.com\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TMS_Counter.jpg\" alt='' title='TMS_Counter'  height=\"296\" width=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/marineshop.ecomitize.com\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TMS_Counter.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/marineshop.ecomitize.com\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TMS_Counter-600x178.jpg 600w, https:\/\/marineshop.ecomitize.com\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TMS_Counter-300x89.jpg 300w, https:\/\/marineshop.ecomitize.com\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TMS_Counter-768x227.jpg 768w, https:\/\/marineshop.ecomitize.com\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TMS_Counter-705x209.jpg 705w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" 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