Shadow Box Desigs by Terry~About Us

Shadow Box Designs by Terry

MSgt. Jimmy D. and Terry Vandever

USMC Ball ‘88

Labor of Love

In 1981 The U.S. Congress relieved the military of the operational responsibility for their uniform shops and turned it over to The Marine Corps Exchange.

I, P.Terry Vandever was the first civilian manager of the 22 Area Uniform Shop at Camp Pendleton. To that responsibility, the position of Officer Uniform and Memorabilia Buyer was soon added

In May 2005, after 30 years of service to Camp Pendleton and the Marine Corps Exchange, with 23 years of that time managing the main uniform shop in 22 Area, I made the difficult decision to retire from the job, and the military personnel, that I had loved so much. Being that I have been married to a marine 34 years, and with so many years on base, I found it very hard to leave it all behind.

Through the years at the uniform shop, I had numerous inquiries from my customers for shadow box set-up. With my cumulative knowledge of medals, ribbons, badges, and the military as a whole, I felt that I was the perfect one to provide a shadow box design business. But as a manager, my time was devoted to the business of The Exchange.

Upon retiring I could now start my own business that would keep me in touch with the proud, dutiful, and accomplished people that I have so much respect for, and offer a service I knew was in demand. Shadow Box Designs by Terry was born.

Now I am able to continue to work with military personnel, who are the greatest men and women in the world. I also enjoy doing work for various school clubs, organizations and sports, JROTC units, and police organizations. It is an honor to help these individuals showcase their achievements.

I locate and provide flags, banners and military memorabilia for those customers that are in need. My custom designs are personalized to taste, keeping in mind each service branch’s protocols. Free design, set-up, and mounting are offered to shadow boxes honoring those that have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country during the current military actions in the fight against terrorism.*

As a 6^th generation California Girl, traced back to the pioneering Yorba Family, Orange County was the only corner of the world that I knew. I thought I might be leaving home and traveling the world. I chose a different direction for my life when I met and married my beloved husband, MSgt. Jimmy Vandever 34 years ago. I moved only a bit further south, from Orange County to San Diego County. Here, I found where I was meant to be. I never dreamed of the wealth of personal connections and professional challenges I have been fortunate to experience with this choice. I have been very lucky to find a field of work that I enjoy so much while continuing to serve those that serve us all with their pride, honor, and love.