Jennifer Horn, a Purple Heart recipient who faced trauma on the battlefield, found solace and empowerment by posing as a glamorous pinup model for the Pin-Ups for Vets calendar.
Jennifer Horn, an Iraq War veteran and Purple Heart recipient, has embarked on an extraordinary journey, transforming herself from a mortar attack survivor to a captivating 1940s pinup model. Featured in the 2025 Pin-Ups for Vets calendar, Horn's story is a testament to resilience, female empowerment, and the healing power of art.
Founded in 2006 by California resident Gina Elise, Pin-Ups for Vets is an award-winning nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting hospitalized and deployed troops. The organization produces World War II-inspired bombshell calendars featuring veterans as models, raising funds to purchase new rehabilitation equipment for veteran hospitals nationwide.
From Mortar Attack Survivor to 1940s Pinup: The Inspiring Story of Iraq War Veteran Jennifer Horn
For years, Horn considered posing for the annual calendar, but it wasn't until this year that it felt right. "I thought, 'That doesn't even look like me! Is this real?'" Horn told Fox News Digital. "But female veterans are out there. We can be a badass on the field, then we can also be feminine."
Driven by the desire to connect with fellow veterans and honor their shared experiences, Horn embraced the photoshoot. "There were other female veterans there. We were all just talking about our lives and our experiences in the military. ... It was camaraderie."
From Mortar Attack Survivor to 1940s Pinup: The Inspiring Story of Iraq War Veteran Jennifer Horn
Pin-Ups for Vets holds a special place in Horn's heart, as it provides a platform for female veterans to come together, feel beautiful and confident, and share their stories. "The calendars also get sent overseas to troops," Horn explained. "And the calendar girls will go to veterans' homes and present the calendars to elderly veterans. They spend time with them. It's just veterans supporting veterans."
Horn's military journey began in 2002 when she was 19. Despite her father's untimely passing, she felt drawn to the Army, following in the footsteps of her grandfather and brother. "I didn't know what else I was going to do," she said.
From Mortar Attack Survivor to 1940s Pinup: The Inspiring Story of Iraq War Veteran Jennifer Horn
Assigned as a 63Y tracked vehicle mechanic, Horn found herself stationed at the National Training Center (NTC) in Fort Irwin. In January 2005, her unit received orders to deploy to Mosul, Iraq, a notorious "hot spot" for attacks.
On the fateful night of April 16, 2005, a hostile mortar attack changed Horn's life forever. A mortar exploded near her, showering her with shrapnel injuries from head to toe. Amidst the chaos, a soldier carried her to an aid station, preventing further harm.
From Mortar Attack Survivor to 1940s Pinup: The Inspiring Story of Iraq War Veteran Jennifer Horn
Horns's recovery was long and arduous. Sent to Germany first, she eventually made it to Walter Reed Medical Center for surgery. "I didn't understand or realize the extent of my injuries," she admitted. "I was mostly on medication for the pain. I wasn't all with it until I got ... to Walter Reed."
As the first female in the history of the HHT 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment to receive a Purple Heart, Horn felt a profound sense of honor. "As a woman receiving the Purple Heart, it was an extreme honor," she said. "I didn't even know I was going to get a Purple Heart during my recovery. But General Ham came to my hospital room and said, 'You know you're getting a Purple Heart, right?' I was like, 'What?' It's just an honor."
From Mortar Attack Survivor to 1940s Pinup: The Inspiring Story of Iraq War Veteran Jennifer Horn
Determined to make a difference in other veterans' lives, Horn pursued a bachelor's degree in nursing. For nearly four years, she has worked as a nurse in a county jail, providing compassionate care to the underserved. "So, for me, it's special. And it's important to serve the underserved," she said.
Currently pursuing a master's degree in nursing to become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, Horn's goal is to support veterans facing mental health challenges. "When I came back from Iraq, I felt extremely alone," she recalled. "I want to extend that to veterans who are coming back, especially those dealing with combat stress, post-traumatic stress. I want to be the person who understands where they're coming from."
From Mortar Attack Survivor to 1940s Pinup: The Inspiring Story of Iraq War Veteran Jennifer Horn
For those seeking to express their gratitude to veterans, Horn offers a simple yet meaningful suggestion: "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."
