An Iraq War veteran poses as a '40s pinup model after surviving a mortar attack.

Jennifer Horn was taken aback upon seeing her metamorphosis into a stunning '40s bombshell for the first time.

"I exclaimed, ‘That doesn’t resemble me at all! Is this genuine?’" the Iraq War veteran shared with Planet Chronicle Digital. "However, female veterans exist. We can be fierce on the battlefield and then graceful off it."

The Washington resident is featured in the 2025 Pin-Ups for Vets calendar.

Gina Elise, a California resident, founded an award-winning nonprofit in 2006 that supports hospitalized and deployed troops through fundraising efforts. The organization produces calendars featuring veterans as models, inspired by World War II.

Over $120,000 has been donated by Pin-Ups For Vets to purchase new rehabilitation equipment for veteran hospitals across the country. Additionally, volunteer ambassadors from the organization have personally visited over 20,000 ill and injured veterans during their 50-state VA hospital tour, delivering gifts of appreciation.

For years, Horn, a Purple Heart recipient, considered posing for the annual calendar. This time, it felt right.

"We can be a badass on the field, then we can also be feminine." — Jennifer Horn

Horn stated that her photo shoot was enjoyable. Her hair and makeup were done by others. There were other female veterans present. They all shared stories about their lives and experiences in the military. It was a sense of camaraderie.

The female veterans who participate in Pin-Ups for Vets feel beautiful and classy when they come together. Additionally, the calendars are sent overseas to troops, and the calendar girls visit veterans' homes to present the calendars and spend time with elderly veterans.

"It’s just veterans supporting veterans."

In 2002, when she was 19, the cause struck a chord with Horn and prompted her to enlist in the Army.

My family had a long history of serving in the Army. With no other clear path, I chose to follow in their footsteps and join the military.

""When I went overseas, my mother was particularly anxious," Horn confessed."

She went to the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) hoping to receive an enlistment bonus and be stationed in California, near her mother and brother, as per Horn's account.

The only job that met the requirements was the 63Y tracked vehicle mechanic," she stated. "Therefore, I, a 19-year-old with no prior mechanical experience, embarked on my journey to the Army.

"She stated that she was stationed at the National Training Center (NTC) in Fort Irwin and worked in the motor pool on M113s, M577s, and HMMWVs. She was attached to the HHT 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment ‘Blackhorse’ Opposing Forces (OPFOR) unit. Their mission was to prepare soldiers from across the nation for battle by organizing decisive action training. They took on the roles of enemy forces in several engagement situations."

In January 2005, Horn's unit was deployed to Mosul, Iraq, known as a "hot spot" for "relentless" attacks.

That night in April, Horn's life was forever altered.

"Horn stated that a hostile mortar attack occurred, resulting in shrapnel injuries from his head to his toe. He sustained a large piece of shrapnel in his neck and right eye."

Horn was unable to see or move as the attack persisted. She sustained injuries on her arms, legs, and chest. A soldier swiftly scooped Horn onto his back and dashed towards a medical facility.

Horn stated, "I faced the possibility of losing my sight. I was sent to Germany and later underwent surgery at Walter Reed Medical Center."

"Horn admitted that he didn't fully comprehend the extent of his injuries and was mostly on medication for the pain until he arrived at Walter Reed."

Horn described her recovery as "long and lonely."

"Although my unit was still serving in Iraq, I was away from them during my recovery," she stated. "They were my family."

While going through physical therapy, General Carter Ham presented her with the Purple Heart, making her the first female in the history of the HHT 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment to receive it.

The Purple Heart Mission reports that Horn received several medals and commendations for his service, including the Army Good Conduct Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Medal, among others.

"Receiving the Purple Heart as a woman was an immense honor, even though I didn't expect it during my recovery. General Ham visited my hospital room and informed me that I would be receiving one. I was taken aback and asked, 'What?' It's just an honor."

Horn emphasized the importance of support from fellow veterans in her recovery. After leaving the military, Horn was resolute to contribute in a different manner.

Horn remembered feeling scared and confused after being injured in Iraq. He saw the nurses and doctors rushing around and hooking him up to equipment. They were busy trying to stabilize him, but didn't have time to explain what was happening. Despite their busy schedules, they assured him that he would be okay. This experience made Horn want to extend the same comfort and support to others.

WATCH: IRAQ WAR VETERAN POSES AS 40S PINUP MODEL AFTER SURVIVING MORTAR ATTACK

"The exceptional medical treatment I received after the blast inspired me to become a nurse. The nurses demonstrated remarkable knowledge, skills, and empathy during the toughest time of my life. I felt compelled to pay it forward and decided to return to school to extend that compassionate care to others."

For nearly four years, she has been working as a nurse in a county jail, and today she holds a bachelor of science degree in nursing.

"Working with a unique population, the underserved, is special for me. It's crucial to serve this group, and I'm excited to become a nurse practitioner to work with veterans."

She aims to earn a master's degree in nursing to specialize as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, with the objective of providing care to veterans struggling with mental health issues.

Horn stated, "Upon my return from Iraq, I felt profoundly isolated. I was constantly pressured to seek assistance and attend counseling. Although I did so, I didn't feel like I received the support I required. I thought, 'How could this individual comprehend what I'm experiencing?' However, as veterans, we understand one another. We no longer feel lonely."

""I want to understand the challenges faced by veterans returning from combat, particularly those dealing with post-traumatic stress, and provide support," she stated."

A "thank you" is a powerful way to express gratitude and show appreciation.

"Some veterans find it uncomfortable to hear 'thank you,'" she stated. "However, it's important to remember that sometimes people may not know the right words to express their gratitude, but their actions speak volumes. We value their service and are grateful for it."