HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) – A group of stylists and make-up artists turned an area of the Westin Hotel into a beauty salon for 25 deserving women on Saturday morning. In preparation for the 240th Marine Corps Birthday Ball, the veterans and caretakers received free makeovers that include hair styles, make-up and manicures.

For retired SFC Karry James, it was a day to remember from start to finish.

“I’ve never even had a ballgown,” James said. “It’s the first time I’ve ever worn a ballgown.”

In preparation for the ball, the lovely women, both service members and veteran caregivers, took a moment for a beauty break.

<Eric Cohen>
“It’s just a day for the pressure to be taken off of them and the focus to be put on them,” Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Local Leader and Stylist Eric Cohen said.

The “glam squad” was made up of stylists from multiple salons, students from the Salon Professional Academy and make-up artists from Mary Kay. A team that made James feel appreciated.

“Because it means somebody out there cares. You know, a lot times, people talk the talk but they don’t walk the walk. These people walk the walk.”

Some veterans said wearing the uniform is an honor but doesn’t exactly make them feel feminine.

“I’m a woman and I want to feel beautiful sometimes,” James said.

So, a dress is a nice change of pace and James said she could hardly wait to wear hers.

“It looks really pretty and the neckline is really cute,” she said.

The perfect look for a lady whose beauty goes much further than skin deep.

“They keep telling me, ‘thank you.’ And I’m like, ‘well thank you, look what you’re doing for me,’ James said. “I don’t feel like I deserve this much attention.”