The Post Exchange mall temporarily was transformed April 1 into a runway suited for kings when nationally renowned comedian, author and radio morning show host Steve Harvey dropped by to promote his Young Kings suit collection.
Chosen from elementary schools across post, the models strolled down the catwalk wearing suits, vests, and shirts created by Harvey.
Appearance is one of the things the "King of Comedy," one of Harvey's aliases, takes seriously, saying there aren't many days that he doesn't wear a suit.
"We've got enough bad imagery with clothing going on out there," he said. "It's good to get in a young boy's head early that there's nothing wrong with dressing up and that you can dress for success. Hopefully, one day these kids will turn out to be real kings - not just a king of comedy, but a king of whatever dominion they want to rule over."
SFC(R) Angela Mack stood in the line of nearly 300 people to get an autograph. She said Harvey's suits were the perfect style for her 11-year-old son.
"I think he will look gorgeous in them," she said. "(Harvey) makes nice suits for boys, and the PX never really had those. So, I figured I would pick some up since I found them, and they're cheaper here than off post."
That's why Army and Air Force Exchange Service children's wear senior buyer Julie Bierman said the brand was chosen for expansion in the PX.
"There's not that many boys suit lines out there," she said. "It is a nice line, and it's priced right, so we thought it would be a good fit."
Bierman and PX store manager Nick Nguyen said the autograph signing and fashion show served two purposes - to familiarize Harvey with the military market and to showcase his fashions to military families.
"A lot of celebrities aren't familiar with military communities, so this was a way to show him what we have here," Nguyen said.
The manager said coordinating Harvey's appearance took about three months, and Soldiers like SSG Ellis Beasley of the Warrior Transition Battalion were glad to see him come.
Beasley said he is inspired by Harvey's business sense and faith walk.
"I listen to his radio show every morning," Beasley said. "I think he's a bright entrepreneur. He's a man who came from nothing to become somebody, and one of the things I admire about him most is that he praises the Lord first thing in the morning."
Harvey praised those who serve in uniform and sent those same messages of inspiration to all service members.
"I believe in God ... I believe in his keeping power," he said. "It's my faith that has gotten me this far and my faith that has kept me, and (God) will keep you."
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