Iraq War Veteran Transforms into '40s Bombshell for Pin-Ups for Vets Calendar

Jennifer Horn, a Purple Heart recipient who survived a mortar attack in Iraq, has posed as a '40s pinup model for the 2025 Pin-Ups for Vets calendar. The nonprofit organization raises funds to support hospitalized and deployed troops, and this year's calendar features a diverse group of female veterans.

Iraq War veteran Jennifer Horn is no stranger to adversity. After surviving a mortar attack that left her with shrapnel injuries from head to toe, Horn went on to become the first female in the history of her unit to receive a Purple Heart. But her story didn't end there.

This year, Horn has traded her fatigues for a glamorous new look as she poses as a '40s bombshell for the 2025 Pin-Ups for Vets calendar. The award-winning nonprofit, founded in 2006 by California resident Gina Elise, raises money to support hospitalized and deployed troops. It produces World War II-inspired bombshell calendars featuring veterans as models.

Iraq War Veteran Transforms into '40s Bombshell for Pin-Ups for Vets Calendar

"I thought, 'That doesn't even look like me! Is this real?'" Horn gushed to Fox News Digital about seeing herself transformed into a pinup for the first time. "[But] female veterans are out there. We can be a badass on the field, then we can also be feminine."

Horn's decision to pose for the calendar was a way for her to connect with other female veterans and give back to the community that supported her during her recovery. "My photo shoot was a lot of fun," she said. "They did our hair and our makeup. There were other female veterans there. We were all just talking about our lives and our experiences in the military. ... It was camaraderie."

Iraq War Veteran Transforms into '40s Bombshell for Pin-Ups for Vets Calendar

Pin-Ups for Vets is a cause that hit home for Horn, who joined the Army in 2002 at the age of 19. Her father, grandfather, and brother had all served, and she wanted to follow in their footsteps. After training as a tracked vehicle mechanic, Horn was stationed at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, where she prepared soldiers from across the nation for battle.

In January 2005, Horn's unit was deployed to Mosul, Iraq, a known "hot spot" for attacks. On the night of April 16, her unit came under mortar fire. A mortar exploded near her, spraying her with shrapnel. Horn couldn't see or walk, and she sustained injuries all over her body.

Iraq War Veteran Transforms into '40s Bombshell for Pin-Ups for Vets Calendar

A soldier threw Horn onto his back and ran to an aid station, where she received urgent medical attention. She was later sent to Germany and then to Walter Reed Medical Center for surgery. It was there that she learned the extent of her injuries and that she would receive a Purple Heart.

Horn's recovery was long and lonely, but she was determined to return to her unit. However, her injuries prevented her from doing so. Instead, she decided to pursue a different way to serve her country: as a nurse.

Iraq War Veteran Transforms into '40s Bombshell for Pin-Ups for Vets Calendar

"My decision to become a nurse was influenced by the exceptional medical treatment I received after the blast," Horn said. " nurses] demonstrated remarkable knowledge, skills and empathy during the toughest time of my life. I felt compelled to pay it forward."

Today, Horn holds a bachelor's degree in nursing and works in a county jail. She plans to pursue a master's degree to become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, so she can care for veterans who are experiencing mental health challenges.

Iraq War Veteran Transforms into '40s Bombshell for Pin-Ups for Vets Calendar

"When I came back from Iraq, I felt extremely alone," Horn said. "I kept getting pressured to seek help and go to a counselor. So I did, and I didn't feel like I got what I needed out of it. I felt, 'How in the world does this person understand what I'm going through?' [But we veterans], we do understand. We understand each other. And it doesn't feel lonely anymore."

Horn is determined to help other veterans who are struggling with their mental health. She believes that by sharing her story and providing support, she can make a difference in their lives. "I want to be the person who understands where they're coming from."

Iraq War Veteran Transforms into '40s Bombshell for Pin-Ups for Vets Calendar

For those wanting to give back to veterans, Horn said a simple "thank you" goes a long way. "Some veterans don't like to hear 'thank you,'" she said. "But you know what? Sometimes people don't know the exact words to say, but they're thankful for the service. That alone is special. We appreciate it."