9 Times Barbie Dolls Have Paid Tribute to the American Military

In looking back to 1959, I'm not sure that Ruth Handler had any idea that her Barbie doll would create a movement that ​today is ​more popular than ever, let alone hold jobs in the American military.

Now, if you're wondering who in the world is Ruth Handler, she along with her husband Elliot started a company called Mattel. In March of 1959, Mattel introduced the ​world to the Barbie doll. Two years later, Mattel would introduce ​a new doll by the name of Ken. Ken was Barbie's boyfriend.

If you are a fan of Trivia, you may know that Barbie's full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts. Ken's full name is Kenneth Sean Carson. Trivia buffs may sleo find it interesting that Ruth picked the name Barbie because of her daughter Barbara. Likewise, Ken was named after their son.

According to the website theweek.com, "Barbie" holds the record for the biggest opening weekend so far for 2023. It its debut weekend, the Warner Brothers Pictures project hauled in $162 million at the Box Office. Not bad for a film that had a production budget of $145 million.

If you travel over to digitalspy.com, you will see that worldwide, "Barbie" has topped the $1 billion plateau. With an awesome cast like Margot Robbie, Ryan Goslin, Will Ferrell, Michael Cera and more, it is no surprise the movie is doing so well.

Also, let me share two additional cool pieces of trivia with you. "Barbie" was directed by Greta Gerwig and with that huge $162 million, it now holds the record for the biggest opening weekend in history for a movie directed by a woman. It's also passed $1 BILLION in revenue.

​Below, I have compiled a list of a few very special Barbie dolls that you may or may not be familiar with. Included are the Army Barbie, Paratrooper Barbie, Boot Camp Barbie, Air Force Barbie, Air Force Thunderbird Barbie, Marine Corps Barbie, Navy Barbie and Aviator Barbie.

In doing research for this article, I guess I never knew about Mattel/Barbie and their salute to our military and Armed Forces. From Barbie's debut at the World's Fair in New York in 1959 to today, it's an amazing story.

The Army Barbie doll debuted in 1989 and is dedicated to those that proudly serve in the United States Army.

The Army Stars & Stripes Barbie doll arrived in 1992

Mattel continued its salute to those in uniform in the year 2000 with Paratrooper Barbie

The Boot Camp Barbie hit store shelves in 1999

For those that put put the "Air" in Airborne, Mattel debuted the Air Force Barbie doll in 1990

The Air Force Thunderbird Barbie went on sale in 1990. Created in 1953, the Thunderbirds are the the demonstration squadron of the United States Air Force.

Continuing the tradition of “Semper Fidelis” or “Always Faithful,” Mattel saluted the United States Marine Corps with its very own Barbie in 1992

As a tribute to those serving in our nation's Maritime service, the Navy Barbie appeared in 1991

To be chosen to wear the Aviator wings in our military, you have to be the best of the best. Our last Barbie is that of the Aviator Barbie from 2001.